Sally Marie Emrich Pierce

Sally Marie Emrich Pierce passed away on March 11, 2021.

Sally and her husband C. David Pierce were married in 1953 and lived one of the great love stories of all time. They were inseparable.

They raised a family and lived in Woodstock, Ill., for 30 years, then lived in the home they built near Lake Michigan in Port Washington, Wis., for 30 years.

Sally is survived by her husband of 67 years, C. David Pierce; four sons, David M. (Denise), John (Alice), Eric (Marcia) and Kirk (Isabel); three grandsons; six granddaughters; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rose (Kruse) Emrich; brother John L. Emrich; sister Peg Thomas; and great-grandson William Padgett.

A child prodigy on the baritone horn, Sally was regarded by all as an exceptionally fine musician. She earned two music education degrees from the University of Illinois and was honored as a recipient of the A.A. Harding Award as an outstanding member of the University of Illinois Band. A devoted wife and mother, she was the first piano teacher for all of her sons.

Sally was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church (LCMS), baptized and confirmed in the Lord. We will always remember and be inspired by her strong faith. Not long ago, she nodded and quietly observed, “It’s all about Jesus!”

The family is comforted to know that she had the best of care at the Sheridan at Green Oaks in Lake Bluff, Ill., and at Lincoln Village in Port Washington, Wis.

More information can be found at Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, by calling (847) 234-0022 or visiting www.wenbanfh.com.