John W. Pierson, 79 of Mendota passed away October 31, 2019 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial service will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Mendota with Rev. Steve Mindrup officiating. Burial will be at Lutheran Cemetery, Mendota at a later date. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

John was born August 12, 1940 in Northeast, Erie County, PA. to Paul Edward and Mary (Fradalius) Pierson.

He spent most of his childhood in Bemus Point, New York living in a home on Chautauqua Lake. He shared many memories of his swimming and fishing experiences at the lake.

He moved to Green Lake, Wisconsin when he was a Freshman in high school. He graduated from Green Lake High School in 1959 and has remained long term friends with several of his classmates.

After high school John joined the United States Army on August 14, 1960 in artillery truck vehicle maintenance where he spent part of his time in Bamberg Germany.

John married Shirley Frost June 19, 1965. They have one daughter, Deanna Lynn Pierson Arjes.

They lived 22 years in Troy Grove with the remainder of his married life in the Mendota area.

He worked at Prescott Brothers for 18 years as a mechanic. After leaving Prescott's, he was hired by the Mendota Elementary School as a custodian. He continued this carrier until his retirement, ultimately becoming head custodian at Lincoln School.

After retirement he spent many hours in his workshop in the garage. He crafted many items; many as gifts for granddaughters.

John was on the governing body of Troy Grove for several years. After moving to Mendota in 1988, he became very interested in city government and eventually was elected as councilman for the 2 ^nd ward. He truly enjoyed this experience, took it seriously and wanted what was best for the city of Mendota.

He volunteered at the Hume-Carnegie Museum, especially with maintenance, the Union Depot Railroad Museum, and the Breaking the Prairie Museum where he was a board member.

John's greatest love was his grand girls, Deanna's three daughters; Kendra Renee, Kayli Nichole and Karlee Elizabeth. He loved to do things for them and they were so kind and loving to him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary in 1950, his father Paul in 1982, step mother Margaret Pierson in 2000, sister Judy Clark in 2017 and brother Fred Pierson in 2018.

He is survived by loving wife, daughter, three granddaughters whom he adored, nieces Pam Mellem, Mary Koenen, Michelle Grein, Christa Snider and Kim Clark; stepsister Donna (Herb) Sample and stepbrother Bruce Smith.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mendota Fire Department, Mendota Police Department, Mendota Museum & Historical Society or Mendota Area Senior Services (MASS).