Jerald “Jerry” A Pierce, lovingly known as “Mr. Jerry” to countless children at the schools where he worked, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the age of 80 in El Cajon, California. Born on January 19, 1946, in York, Nebraska, to James and Helen (Black) Pierce while his father was serving in the Army Air Corp; the family later reunited back in San Diego where Jerry grew up. He was baptized on April 17, 1949, at First Evangelical United Brethren Church. He attended Darnall Elementary School, Horace Mann Junior High, and Crawford High School, graduating with the Class of 1964. Jerry lived by quiet faithfulness, hard work, laughter, and love for the people around him. Whether you knew him for years or only a short time, chances are you remember his smile, his contagious laugh, or one of the many stories he loved to tell. In 1967, Jerry completed training to become a San Diego County Sheriff’s Reservist and served as part of the County Civil Defense Organization. He later worked as a sheet metal worker and welder for Bossert Sheet Metal, helping install heating and air-conditioning systems throughout downtown San Diego. During those busy years, he also worked as a night crew manager for Mayfair Markets before eventually finding the work that would become such a meaningful part of his life; serving local schools and the children within them. Jerry worked first with the Lemon Grove School District as Head Custodian before moving to the Cajon Valley School District, where he faithfully worked for 32 years until his retirement in February 2009. To many students, staff, and families, he was simply “Mr. Jerry.” He was the kind of person children naturally gravitated toward; kind-hearted, dependable, and always ready with a smile. Jerry’s Christian Faith was the cornerstone of his life. Through Skyline Wesleyan Church, he participated in several month-long mission trips to Sierra Leone, West Africa, helping build a church, school, and library in the village of Gbendembu. His last trip to Africa was in 1992. Jerry also participated in a mission trip to Mexico City. He loved and cherished those trips.

Jerry later became a devoted member of Alpine Lutheran Church, where he was confirmed in the Lutheran faith, sang in the choir, and faithfully served as president of the congregation. His singing voice, steady presence, and servant’s heart became treasured parts of the church family.

In addition to his service within the church, Jerry shared his faith through jail ministry. Alongside a pastor from one of Alpine Lutheran Church’s sister congregations, he assisted with worship services at the San Diego Central Jail, offering encouragement, fellowship, and God's love to those seeking hope and spiritual guidance.

On February 5, 1993, Jerry married Susan (Zweygardt) Steinbeck at Alpine Lutheran Church in Alpine, California. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, laughter, and caring for those around them. Jerry was known for always checking in on others, sharing stories, and bringing warmth and humor wherever he went. Their marriage reflected friendship, commitment, and a deep appreciation for family and community.

Jerry loved traveling with family, sharing stories, and laughing loudly. Susan often heard his simple but loving reply of “Yes, Dear,” a phrase that captured both his humor and the affection he carried for her every day. More than anything, Jerry loved his family. He cherished time spent together, whether through conversations around the table, family trips, or church gatherings; he especially enjoyed their summer visits to St. Francis, Kansas, spending time in the wheat fields during harvest.

Presiding him in death were his parents, James and Helen Pierce; his baby brother, Bruce Pierce; his cousin, Bruce Baker; his cousin, Perry Linthicum; his cousin, Gwen Linthicum; and his step grandson, Michael Getz. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Pierce; his son, Jeff Pierce and his fiancé Paula Jacoban of San Diego; stepson Timothy Steinbeck and wife Jennifer of Atlanta, Georgia; stepson Jeremy Steinbeck and wife Kira of San Diego; granddaughter Sarah Pierce of San Diego; grandson Brian Pierce of San Diego; along with extended family members, dear friends, church family, and all those whose lives were touched by his kindness and friendship. A memorial service celebrating Jerry’s life was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at Alpine Lutheran Church in Alpine, California. He will later be laid to rest at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery in St. Francis, Kansas. Though hearts are heavy in his absence, Jerry leaves behind a legacy of his Christian faith, laughter, service, and unconditional love. He will be remembered not only for the work he did, but for the way he made people feel; welcomed, cared for, and never alone. His stories will continue to be told, his laughter remembered fondly, and his love carried forward by the family and friends who were blessed to know him.

Alpine Lutheran Church Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. • Saturday, May 30, 2026 Alpine, California

Peace Lutheran Church Memorial Service

11:30 a.m. • Saturday, September 26, 2026 St. Francis, Kansas

Interment

Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery St. Francis, Kansas

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23