Ione Lois Pierson

Ione Lois Pierson, age 89, passed away peacefully in Eau Claire, WI, surrounded by her loving family.

Ione Pierson, daughter of Archie and Mabel Decker was born July 23, 1933, in Weston, WI.  She and her three siblings; Kenneth, Shirley, and James grew up in Weston and Downsville with their parents and enjoyed the rural life with all it had to offer.  After the children were older, the family relocated to Menomonie where Ione attended High School.  This is where she met the love of her life, Robert Pierson.  They were married on October 11, 1952, and where they purchased their first home.   The couple welcomed three children into their lives; Debra Lee, Rochele Lynn, and Michael Robert, and lived in Menomonie until 1964.  In the fall of that year, they moved their family to Chippewa Falls and lived there for 20 years.

Ione was active as a Girl Scout Leader and in her church as a Sunday and Bible School Teacher.  She participated in her children’s school and social activities, and sports and enjoyed bowling and golfing.  The family lived in a wonderful neighborhood and enjoyed Sunday Packer Football Pot-Luck dinners with friends and neighbors.  There were always flag football games during halftime in one of the backyards.  After her children were grown, she got her first job at Bowman Dairies and worked there for 9 years.

In 1973, Bob and Ione moved to Lake Chetek where they enjoyed the lake life for 13 years and developed many long enduring friendships.  During their time in Chetek, Ione was the caregiver for her three grandchildren Jamie, Nicole, and Brandon.  That was one of the happiest times in her life, nurturing and watching her grandkids grow up. 

After Bob retired, they moved to the North Woods of Gordon, WI, and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and hunting.  Ione also put her gardening skills to work and created beautiful gardens and landscaping around their home.  In 2002, Robert and Ione celebrated their Fiftieth anniversary with family and friends.  It was another proud moment in their lives.

Throughout her life, her children were always her pride and joy, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and recently two new great, great-granddaughters.  She will be truly missed by all.

Ione is survived by her three children; Debra (Steve) Nuss, Rochele Pierson (David) Wylot, and Mike (Julie) Pierson.  Grandchildren; Jamie (Nikki) Pierson, Nicole Pierson (Scott) Francis, and Brandon Pierson.

Great grandchildren; Kallie, Taylor, Alex, Ashleigh, Brock, Deegan, Desteny, Zack and Parker.  Two Great-great grandchildren;  Blakelee, and Harlow, and special sister-in-law; Mary Decker, and her family. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Pierson; her parents, Archie and Mabel Decker;  brothers, Kenneth and James Decker; sister, Shirley Decker Saxton and sister-in-law; Marion Nelson.

The family would like to thank St Croix Hospice and the incredible compassionate caregivers at Care Partners West in Eau Claire, WI.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at the Chetek United Methodist Church at noon (visitation will be 11:00 AM-Noon). The family invites those attending to a luncheon at the church following the service.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

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