Andy Pierce

While naturally intelligent, his mischievousness sometimes got him in trouble with his teachers, who were nonetheless fond of him. It was hard not to be, especially when he flashed his one-sided smile that was a telltale sign he knew he was being scampish. He played football and wrestled at Fort Dodge High (1959-1962); then earned his GED and enlisted in the Air Force as an aircraft fuel systems mechanic (1963-1967; Vietnam War). After his honorable discharge, he attended some college before going to work for the Coates Manufacturing Company in Fort Dodge (1969-1972).

His audacious nature took him to Alaska in April 1972, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic for Alaska International Air and later Wein Air. In 1976 he joined the 176th Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard at Kulis ANG Base (Operation Southern Watch, Operation Joint Forge). He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 2003 after 32 years and nine months of service to his country. Andy's career allowed him to travel and live across the world – he stopped counting the number of countries he'd visited (and at least one he'd been kicked out of) at 100.

In February 1972 Andy met the love of his life, Barbara, when he attended a wedding in Wisconsin with a friend. It was love at first sight. After a few dates, months of writing letters back and forth, and a mailed engagement ring, they married on September 16, 1972. Barb accompanied Andy back to Alaska, where they embarked on nearly 52 years of adventures, living in North Pole, Fairbanks, and finally Anchorage. He was a proud, and tough yet fair, father to his children Cheryl and Everett; and a doting grandfather to Cheryl and her husband Brian's four children Evangeline, Wesley, Augustus, and Lucas.

Andy was always unabashedly himself – supremely stubborn, unafraid to speak his mind, loud (he never did learn to whisper), a perfectionist, honest to a fault, and incredibly giving. He helped friends and acquaintances without hesitation – he fixed countless vehicles, and was often the first call when someone's furnace broke or their plumbing leaked – and asked for nothing in return. He was a talented carpenter and leathersmith, gifting everything he made. Andy had the best handwriting; he was an excellent shot; and he spent decades as the family genealogist. He loved to host guests, and many friends have fond memories of his and Barb's Halloween and New Years Eve parties and Thanksgiving dinners. He was happiest when fishing, hunting, and camping with his family (especially his brothers and son) and friends in Alaska. Every trip was full of laughter and misadventure. Despite most visitors returning to the Lower 48 with stories of having to be rescued or rescuing others, the majority made repeat trips.

Andy was preceded in death by his father, mother (who he lovingly called “momma”), brothers Richard and Everett “Bud,” and far too many extended family members and friends. He is survived by his wife Barb, children Cheryl (Brian) and Everett, grandchildren, siblings Jon (Janet), Roy (Diane), Susan Sudbrock (Bill), and Julie Reeks (Bob), sister-in-law Jan (Bud), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, Andy's memory can be honored through donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Andy's was a life well-lived. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.