Linda Marie (Miller) Pierson transitioned to her eternal life on Friday, September 27, 2024. Her legendary spirit is carried on by her husband, Dennis Pierson; her two daughters, Kristina (Brett) Pappas and Angela (Peter) Avila; four grandchildren, Haley and Abigail Pappas and Sawyer and Asher Avila; her little sister, LeAnne (Darrell) Hohn; and an extended family of relatives and friends from every walk of life.

We are thankful for all the vibrant things Linda brought into our lives, including her passion for family, fine food, travel, and sports—go Jacks, Go Vikes, Go Twins! Linda was passionate about her beliefs and loved a healthy debate… In a discussion, you wanted Linda in your corner. She was stubborn and spicy, loving and patient, intelligent and kind.

Linda was born July 17, 1949, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Joyce and Marion Miller. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Plankinton, South Dakota, where she famously raised a pet skunk named Petunia, drove a 57 Chevy, and kept all the boys on their toes. She was an A+ student, a soda jerk at the town drug store, and a proud SDSU Jackrabbit, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Pharmacy. Linda was a trusted and respected pharmacist for over 40 years and served as President of the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy from 1992-1993.

Linda was always up for adventure. A bet she'd double it. A bluff, she'd call it. A challenge, she'd take it. Once, at a country dance in Stickney, SD, the band's drummer asked her to dance. Two weeks later, he proposed. She said yes, and in August 2024, Linda and Denny celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. On their honeymoon to Las Vegas, Denny, and Linda saw Elvis live at the International, and Linda loved to tell the story of her in a mini-skirt and Go-Go boots with a bouquet of balloons and a bottle of champagne on the Vegas Strip. Linda and Denny raised their young family on the lake in Mitchell, SD, until they moved to Marshall, Minnesota, before settling in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1985.

Linda was a First United Methodist Church member, active in many civic and political organizations, and a proud supporter of the local sports teams. She was an avid gardener and exemplary chef. She loved making special meals for her family on holidays and would delight in seeing others enjoy her food. She was a consummate hostess, never forgetting a name or a drink at the annual Pierson Christmas party held at the family home on South First Avenue for over 25 years.

Linda was a giver, caretaker, and nurturer at her core. She was our biggest cheerleader, shoulder to cry on, and compass home. Until the end, she wanted to know that everyone else was okay, cared for, and knew they were loved. And we were. Those lucky enough to be in Linda's circle were so well-loved. We will forever cherish this gift and an example we will carry on in her honor.

A visitation, with family present to greet friends, will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Miller Southside Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Miller Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108. Private interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.

The funeral service will be livestreamed to Miller Funeral Home's YouTube page. To watch the service live, please click on the following link: https://youtube.com/live/v1F8KMiYzvg?feature=share

In memory of Linda Pierson, the family kindly requests that memorials be sent to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.