Charles “Chuck” Dea Pierce

Charles “Chuck” Dea Pierce, age 82, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Galena, IL, at Midwest Medical Center. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Chuck was born on January 29, 1943, at home in Corning, AR, to Dea and Vesta Pierce. He moved to Rockford, IL, in 1965 with his wife of 51 years, Janis Faye (Smith) Pierce. She preceded him in death on September 9, 2015. Chuck played baseball in his youth and continued playing in college. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing in The Galena Territory, Canada, and on Lake Michigan. He was a successful insurance broker for 54 years and a philanthropist who worked with the FreeMasons and Shriners. He was installed as Batavia’s Lodge No. 404 Worshipful Master in 1991 and a member of The Royal Order of Jesters. As a Shriner, Chuck served as Potentate for the Tebala Temple in Rockford in 1998. During his time as Potentate, his focus was “for the love of the children.” He also served as the President of the Great Lakes Shrine Association in 2010. Survivors include his wife of six years Janette (Johnson) Pierce, sister Minnie (Terry) Winslow, children Charla (Ken) Pierce-Beck of Dixon, Il, Todd (Ellen) Pierce of Hanover, IL, Sonja “Nikki” (Robert Klazura) Pierce of Denver, Colorado, and granddaughter Abbi Faye Pierce. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, and three sisters – Lufay Jones, Mary Sue Baker, and LaFern Young. For those wishing to express condolences, memorials can be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Children Office of Development at 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, or lovetotherescue.org. Interment will be in Corning, AR, at a later date.