Michael H. Pierce, age 76, of Owatonna, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Michael Harley Pierce was born August 30, 1946, to Rollin and Opal (Work) Pierce in Swea City, Iowa. There he was raised by his grandparents Harley and Emma Work, having the privilege of living a farm life, surrounded by an extended loving family.  Faith and family gatherings were so important to them. He earned the Iowa Farmers Degree his senior year while leasing his grandparents' farm. Those high school years Michael was very active in 4-H, FFA, the Methodist Youth Group, baseball, track & field and his love of fast cars. He graduated from Swea City High School in 1964. After graduation he worked construction until being drafted into the Army in 1966, serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.

Mike married Trudy Hannover in 1974. They relocated the family from Algona, Iowa to Owatonna. Upon moving to Owatonna in 1974, Mike was employed by Crane Creek Asphalt for 33 years as a foreman and a dispatcher. Working in blacktopping and road construction is what he knew so well, and enjoyed.   It was then that Mike became very active in the VFW Post #3723. He served as Post Commander for 17 years collectively. He achieved All State VFW for 10 years, and All American State Commander for 2 years. Additionally Mike has served as First District Commander, VFW District Inspector, Safety Chairman, and Chairman for The Voice of Democracy.  He also served as State of MN Department Pheasants for Hospitalized Veterans Chairman, VFW National roles for 8 years and was a charter member of Am Vets.

Mike was passionate about the Steele County Fair. The 4-H program was dear to him.  He was active as President of the Adult Leaders Council, and for many years he could be found at the  4-H Food Stand supervising the Junior Leaders. Mike was in charge of the courtesy carts which provided rides for the elderly and handicap. In 2022 Mike and Trudy were chosen as Outstanding Senior Citizens at the Steele County Fair. In further community volunteering, Mike and Trudy organized and managed the Owatonna Community Holiday Dinner. serving and delivering meals to 600-1000 guests for Thanksgiving and Christmas for 15 years. He was involved in the Moonlight Exchange Club (Veterans Memorial Committee) Owatonna History Center, American Legion Post #77, and Blood Drives for the Red Cross.

Mike has seen every black and white Western multiple times, and wouldn't miss a baseball game on TV. For more than 30 years he attended the Indy 500, and if there was a race on TV he was going to watch it.  Mike Pierce is a true testament, of a man of integrity, honesty, example, commitment and a very giving heart.

They were married for 49 years and proud of the family traditions they created together,  Mike and Trudy are blessed with three grown children - Sheila Hannover (Austin, TX), Stacey & Lisa Hannover (Owatonna), Sonja & Jeff Knutson (Zimmerman); seven grandsons - Danial Hannover (Nikki) Farmington MN, Nick Bloom (Brian) Austin TX, Phillip Knutson  (Kara) New Prague MN, Mitch Hannover (Whitney) West Concord MN, Alec Hannover (Grace) Owatonna, Jack Gerken, Boston MA. Connor Knutson, Zimmerman; eight great grandchildren, Will & Maddie Hannover, Olivia & Bradford Bloom, Wyatt, Levi & Matthew Hannover and Kairi Knutson, who brought them many smiles and laughter. He is also survived by his siblings Ronald Pierce of Tonka Bay, Bill Pierce of Jordan, Dan Pierce of Minneapolis, Michelle Reger of New Hope, and David Pierce of New Hope. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 30th at Michaelson Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at church. Funeral services will beheld at 10:00 Am on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials to the Owatonna Veterans memorial are preferred.