Dennis Ray Pierson transitioned to his eternal life on October 20, 2024.

A visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 401 S Spring Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Miller Southside Chapel, located at 7400 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57108. A private interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery before funeral services. Memorials may be directed to Feeding South Dakota.

He will be carried on in the hearts of his two daughters, Kristina Pappas (Brett) and Angela Avila (Peter); his four grandchildren, Haley and Abigail Pappas and Sawyer and Asher Avila; his little sister, Luana "Sis" Frederiksen (Mags); his little bro, Wes Pierson (Sherry); and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life.

He was preceded in death just a few short weeks prior by his beloved wife of 52 years, Linda (Miller) Pierson.

Denny was born March 23, 1945, to Leonard "Swede" and Helen (Jorgensen) Pierson of Mitchell, SD. Denny graduated a proud Mitchell Kernel in 1963 and a very proud USD Coyote in 1967 with a degree in mathematics. He received his Master of Mathematics from Bowling Green State University in 1971.

Denny lived a life full of ambition and curiosity. As a young boy, he started his own fireworks business and delivered the morning newspaper. As a young teacher, he supplemented his income with his passion for music, playing as the drummer and lead singer in many local bands, including Denny Pierson and the Country Sons. Denny would also sit in with many of his father Swede's dance and polka bands. Over the years, he had stints as a local radio DJ and TV weatherman. Denny owned and operated his own business as an American Family Insurance Agent for over 40 years, receiving multiple industry awards and accolades.

Denny had a strong sense of civic duty. He was a Rotarian, an Elk, a member of the SD Democratic Forum, and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sioux Falls. Besides his children and grandchildren, Denny was most proud of the time he served in the South Dakota State Legislature. He represented Mitchell, SD as a State Representative from 1979-1982 and Sioux Falls, SD as a State Senator from 1992-1994. He proudly promoted his campaign slogan, "I'm a Pierson Person" each time he campaigned.

Denny was an avid golfer and counted many members of the "Old Coots Golf League" as dear friends, taking his role as secretary and permanent cheerleader very seriously. He also loved to bowl and, from a young age, would spend his time at the lanes perfecting his craft…eventually scoring a 300-game multiple times over his career. Denny was a man who could both light up a room with his smile and make your eyes roll with his never-ending arsenal of corny jokes. A man who thought both picante sauce and black pepper were "just a little too spicy". A man that would break into song at the drop of a hat. He was also a man who drew people in…people from every walk of life and people from the other side of the literal and proverbial aisle. In short, Denny brought people together. Denny brought family together. And that we will always cherish, "with a feeling that we're gonna love you till the end of time." Cheers to you, Dad.

To watch funeral services for Dennis please click on the link: https://youtube.com/live/W-ziwMj-fJM?feature=share