Keith Pierson

Keith Pierson

Keith Wayne Pierson, 61, was born on November 19, 1955 to Douglas and Ardice (Nordhougen) Pierson in Stanley, North Dakota. He died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at CHI St. Alexis Health Hospital in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

He was raised in Minnewaukan and graduated from Minnewaukan High School in 1974. In high school, he was very athletic playing football, basketball, and earned a scholarship for baseball. Due to a tragic accident, he was unable to utilize this scholarship. He went on to further his education at North Dakota State College of Science. Keith had various jobs after college that included working in Eugene, Oregon for the Oregon Forestry Department. After several years, he returned home and began farming and raising buffalo on the family farm near Minnewaukan. In 1999, his world changed, when his beautiful daughter, Hannah Marie was born. Keith was always making sure that Hannah was giggling, being teased and taught her anything he thought she needed to know. In 2004, Keith decided to change his career by working for Oil Companies in the Dickinson areas as a land man.

Keith was a true outdoorsman with fishing and hunting as he favorite pastime with friends, family and especially his daughter. He and Hannah travelled around Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota fishing on many different lakes competing in fishing tournaments. Keith also owned and operated a guiding service for the Devils Lake area, “First Choice Guides”, where they would hunt for deer, waterfowl, and buffalo. His best days were when his daughter accompanied him on the guides.

Keith is survived by his daughter, Hannah Pierson of Maddock; his father, Douglas Pierson of Rugby, sister Wanda (Greg) Tinker of Grand Forks; nephew, Michael (Jennifer) Gefroh of Grand Forks; niece Kayla (Brad) Hager of Moffit; 9 nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ardice Pierson.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at First Lutheran Church in Rugby with spring burial in the Knox Cemetery. Pastor Sharon Baker and Pastor Mike Pretzer, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with a prayer service and sharing of memories beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the time of services at the church on Wednesday.

Posted Condolences:

My sincere condolences go out to Keith's family, friends, and most of all his daughter Hannah.

I met Keith in 2000 and we became instant friends. We teamed up and fished walleye circuits until 2010. Together we shared our first professional walleye tournament win in June 2006 on lake Oahe SD and placed towards the top in many others.

I am grateful for the time spent fishing, hunting, and guiding with him around Devils lake. He taught me a lot about the lake, the land, and the wildlife. But most of all he taught me to enjoy every day you have on earth. Its consoling to know I have a true friend to show me all the fishing hot spots when we meet on the other side.

Keith was a kind and gentle man. He would do anything for family, friends, and even a stranger in need. He always had a smile, a little wink, or a little joke or gesture to brighten the day even when things were a bit stressed.

Family was very important to Keith, most of all his daughter Hannah. He cherished every minute spent with her and included her in everything. She has become quite a seasoned fisher woman because of it.

Keith will be missed by all, but never forgotten. He was a joy to be around. Thanks for all the memories buddy. But most of all, thanks for being you.

Scott Steckler

Hannah,
We are thinking about you at this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss.
Mary & Gary Peterson

Keith was a great guy, always had a smile on his face. Many memories with Keith but one that will always remain with me is I CAUGHT THE BIGGEST FISH OF MY LIFE ON DEVILS LAKE, being guided by "FIRST CHOICE GUIDES" hope the fishin' is great up there Keith!
love
Candy Haagenson

My thoughts and prayers are with Keith's family and dear friends. He was always a happy man. He will be missed by many.
Kimberly Huffman-Leith

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