A Funeral Mass for Lewis D. Pierson, age 93, of O'Neill, Nebraska will be 10:30 am Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill.  Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery with Military Honors provided by O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93.  Fr. Bernard Starman will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Monday, March 30, 2026 at Biglin's Mortuary with a 7:00 pm Rosary.  Lewis passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 23, 2026 surrounded by family, in part to his loving and caring nurse, Pam Seger.  In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Lewis Dean Pierson was born on April 18, 1932, in O'Neill, Nebraska to Charles Merrit Pierson and Emma (Knapp) Pierson.  He grew up on a farm north of O'Neill with his five siblings.  He attended country school, riding his horse Silver to school each day.  Lewis graduated from O'Neill High School in 1950.  During his high school years, Lewis showed great determination, working at the O'Neill Bakery before school to pay rent so he could remain in town to attend school.  He was active in athletics, participating in football, track, and advanced to the state track meet.

After graduation, Lewis enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country honorably from 1952 to 1956.  On July 19, 1955, he was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Schmitz.  While stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, the couple welcomed their first child.  After his military service, Lewis and Mary returned to O'Neill, where he worked as a mechanic for O'Neill Auto from 1956 to 1966.  During this time, they were blessed with seven more children, raising a family of eight.  Lewis later became well known throughout northeast Nebraska as "the milkman", working for Meadow Gold, Bordens, Gillette, Robert's, and Mid America.  He delivered milk door-to-door and later to area businesses, forming many lasting friendships along his routes.  After retirement, he worked at the O'Neill Country Club to keep an eye on his wife, who loved to golf every morning.

A devoted member of his community, Lewis coached his boys' baseball teams.  He also spent a great deal of time attending all of his children's school activities.  He was active in his church, Boy Scouts, the American Legion Honor Guard, and the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling, having coffee with friends, and playing cards for over 25 years.  Some of his favorite destinations included visits with family in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as trips to Branson, Missouri, Alaska, and Hawaii.

He is survived by his children: John Pierson (Beth) of Omaha, NE, Dave Pierson (Billie) of Edwards, WA, Mike Pierson (Mary) of Grand Island, NE, Connie Soukup (Steve) of O'Neill, NE, Joe Pierson of St. Paul, NE, Marian Wallen (Bob) of Beatrice, NE and Patti Barber (Henry) of Fairfax, VA; leaves a legacy of 18 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Ed Pierson (Betty) of Arnold, NE, and Charles Pierson of Atkinson, NE, and his sister, Darlene Pierson of Woodburn, OR.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Pierson; his son, Thomas Pierson; his parents, Charles Merrit and Emma Pierson; his sisters, Doris Price, and Patricia Cummins; and his great-granddaughter, Raina Lee Iron Cloud.

Lewis will always be remembered for his deep love and unwavering support of his family, a legacy that will live on through all who knew and loved him.