Duane Pierce, 86, of Scranton, ND, passed away on May 3, 2026 at the Benedictine Living Community in Dickinson, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Duane will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Scranton, with burial to follow at the Scranton Catholic Cemetery. A Family and Friends service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Scranton. Visitation for Duane will be on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Scranton.

Duane was born on April 21, 1940 to Ralph and Dorothy Pierce and lived most of his life on the family farm north of Scranton, ND. He attended country school at the Stillwater schoolhouse through eighth grade. He then attended high school at Scranton High School, graduating in 1958. Duane excelled at sports in high school, especially running track.

Duane joined the National Guard and spent six months at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri from 1962 to 1963. He then returned home and continued farming with his father, Ralph Pierce.

Duane married Sharon Nibbe on June 26, 1963. Together they raised three children, Robb, Rhonda and Shawn on the farm. Duane stayed busy with his hog operation and farming.

After Sharon passed away in 1985, Duane continued farming and was on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Services. He was a Director for twenty-seven years, which he really enjoyed.

He then met Karen Stelter, whom he married on February 8, 1992. They also resided on the family farm. Holidays included a houseful of family playing games and enjoying their time together.

Duane enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and the occasional rodeo, but his real love was being in the tractor or the combine. His passion was farming with his sons, Robb and Shawn. He also had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, who always knew Grandpa would have ice cream cones for them after supper.

Duane was a member of the Elks and a parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His faith in God was strong, and after his illness progressed, he leaned on his family and his faith to support him.

His final days were spent at the Benedictine Living Community in Dickinson, where he amazed the nurses and aides with his ability to eat “two plates” at a sitting.

Duane is survived by his wife, Karen; two sons, Robb (Ali) Pierce and Shawn (Apryl) Pierce, both of Scranton, ND; daughter, Rhonda (Dan) Ehlis of Dickinson, ND; step-children, Lisa (Tater) McLeod; Blair Stelter, Shannon LeFebre and Shawn (Chanda) Stelter; grandchildren, Katie Pierce (Lucas); Kaitlyn Paulson (Josh); Alex Paulson; Trevor Paulson; Kaylee (Connor) Candrian; Hudson (Kaitlin) Pierce; Blake Pierce; Lauren Ehlis; Taylor Morgan; Luke Morgan; Jake Morgan; Dylan Stelter; Derek Stelter; Anna LeFebre; Faith Stelter; Samuel Stelter; great-grandchildren Michael Pierce, Stephanie Pierce and Addison Pierce; Eliza Candrian and Louise Candrian; sister, LaVonne (Frank) Brown; brother-in-law Rodney (Maxine) Nibbe; sisters-in-law JoAnn (Tom) Jacobsen; Gloria Roth; Dennise (Larry) Rivinius and Marcy (Morris) Haase; brothers-in law James (Rachelle) Roth and Arlen (Carrie) Roth; aunts Dorothy (Dort) Schmidt and Beulah (Bunny) Buckman, and numerous nieces and nephews. Duane is also survived by Raymond Kromarek, whom he always considered to be a son.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Nibbe) Pierce; parents, Ralph and Dorothy Pierce; in-laws Raymond and Olive Nibbe; in-laws Walter and Inez Roth; brother, Donald (Deb)Pierce; sisters-in-law Darlene (Ray) Bader and Jolene Roth; brothers-in-law Brian Roth and Joel Roth; nephew Todd Pierce and great-grandson, Nicholas Pierce.

The family encourages that, instead of flowers, remembrances ofDuane be given to the Scranton Fire Department.