Donna Pierce

Donna Lydia (Stetzer) Pierce, 94, of Eau Claire, passed away on Monday, September 1st, 2025 with a tummy full of ice cream, and a heart filled with love and cherished memories.

She was born October 29th, 1930 in rural Eau Claire to Wilbur M. Stetzer and Blanche E. (Bruley) Stetzer. She lost her eldest brother Gerald in the first American land battle of WWII in the Solomon Islands in 1942. She had two elder brothers Douglas and Duane, and a dear younger sister Joan.

Donna was a lifelong Baptist, and met her future husband Jay R. Pierce at a pie and ice cream social hosted by the Young People's ministry at First Baptist Church. After graduating from Eau Claire High School, Donna worked as a bookkeeper at Uecke Dairy on Water Street, makers of Eau Claire's finest ice cream.

Donna and Jay married on Thanksgiving Day, 1950 and began raising a family in a small house on Rudolph Road. Donna was a devoted full time mother of four children: Pamela Jean, James Russell, Patricia Ann and Jeffrey Robert.

The family lived in Oshkosh, Madison, Akron (OH) and Brookfield. In every city, Donna made each house a home, and served her community through the women's ministries of local Baptist churches. She loved to cook for her family and friends, and eventually joined the kitchen staff at a public school.

Donna and Jay were enthusiastic volunteers for Baptist ministries at Green Lake (WI), Bacone College (Muskogee, OK) and Wisconsin Dells. As a retired couple, they managed Meadowbrook Resort (Wisconsin Dells) for a season, and then built a two-bedroom home and garage by hand together in Adams County (WI).

After time spent in Tucson (AZ) and two international cruise trips, Donna and Jay returned to Eau Claire, where they joined First Baptist Church and served for many years as poll workers. They found community by reconnecting with old friends and making new friends at their favorite breakfast spot, Panera Bread.

Donna was predeceased by her husband Jay (2022) after 72 years of marriage; daughter Pamela (2013), son James (2014), and her four siblings. She is survived by daughter Patricia of Eau Claire; son Jeffrey of Oconomowoc; daughters-in-law Suki (James) of Williamsburg, VA, and Mary (Jeffrey) of Oconomowoc; grandchildren Avery, Cello, Marshall and Hayden; and great-grandson Julian.

A memorial service for Donna will take place at 11 am on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Hope United Methodist Church, 2233 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with a luncheon to follow.  Memorial visitation will take place that day from 10 am until the time of service. Private family committal service will take place at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Eau Claire.    

Memorial gifts can be directed to Hope United Methodist Church. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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