Sympathy | Rev. Russell Peirce
Russell Peirce, age 96, of Yankton, South Dakota, died April 7, 2026, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton, South Dakota. Rev. Peirce was a retired elder of the Dakotas Conference, serving from 1951 to 1994.
Rev. Peirce served the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church in the following South Dakota parishes: Northville/ Mellette, Wall/ Wasta, and Hot Springs. While serving in Hot Springs, he met and married Mary Madsen. Together, Russell and Mary served United Methodist churches in Plankinton, Gettysburg, Tolstoy, and Rapid City South Maple, Philip/ Interior (UMC/PCUSA), Clear Lake/ Gary, and Scotland/ Tripp.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on April 25, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Katie Ricke officiating. A clergy choir will also be singing. Burial will be at a later date at the Draper Cemetery in Draper, South Dakota. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on April 24, 2026, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.
