Gary Albertus Pierce, 74, of Chaska, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, at his home. A funeral service was held 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at the Bertas Funeral Home, 200 W 3rd St. Interment was at Freeborn Cemetery in Freeborn.

Gary was born on Dec. 25, 1937, in Albert Lea, to Harold and Laura (Stene) Pierce. He grew up in Freeborn and graduated from Freeborn High School in 1955. He worked at the Pierce Truck Line with his dad, eventually managing the business until he went to the Minnesota Highway Patrol Officer Candidate School, which he graduated from on Nov. 29, 1963. On June 15, 1958, Gary married Nancy Colvin at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells. They lived in Freeborn when Nick, Mitch and Pam were born. In 1966, the family moved to Chaska, and Gary began working as a state trooper in the 2500 Station. After 16 years, Gary joined the flight section of the Minnesota State Patrol, starting in Bemidji, as the first pilot in that region, and retiring from the St. Paul station on July 8, 1997. We will remember “Gary,” “Dad,” “Knute,” and “Pierce” in many ways: Freeborn, Family Heritage, the Civil War, John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, George Jones, Charles Stanley, the Minnesota State Patrol, University of Minnesota Gophers football, travel, “the Villa,” football, basketball, baseball, golf (balls), and most of all, his family and friends, are many “talking points” which can be used when remembering Gary.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Laura Pierce, and his brother, Harold Jr. (Gabby) Pierce.

Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Nick; son, Mitch (Evelyn); daughter, Pam (Larry) Manno; granddaughters: Laura Pierce, Sarah Pierce, Carleen and Emily Manno; and grandsons: Aaron, Curtis, Benjamin and Samuel Pierce; brother, Neil Pierce; and sister; Marlene Satre.