Terry R. Peirce, 76, of Eagle, Nebraska, died July 29, 2026, at home with family at his side.  Born March 25, 1950 in Red Cloud to Russel and Betty (Wert) Peirce. He was a 1968 graduate of Red Cloud High School and Creighton University in 1974. He also attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kearney State College.

A pharmacist, he began in retail pharmacies before working 33 years with the Veterans Affairs Health System in Lincoln. At his retirement in 2013, he was manager of the Lincoln pharmacy.

The middle of seven siblings, he began his love of the outdoors with his brothers, and traditions were passed on down. Every fall and winter the hunters gathered at the family cabin and farm along Elm Creek near Red Cloud. Memorial Day weekends meant pursuit of catfish on the Republican River. The off season brought firewood cutting and other chores. He enjoyed a good fishing or hunting vacation and supported wildlife conservation. Many campfire tales will keep his memory alive.

He loved Nebraska athletics, especially attending Husker home basketball and volleyball games with daughter Heidi. He loved the camaraderie of golf and bowling. He proudly flew his New York Yankees flag and his beloved shop cat was named Jeter.

Terry and Diane married in 1993, moving from Lincoln to the Eagle acreage in 2002. They hosted Peirce Picnics for the extended family. Terry loved nature, nurturing trees and a small prairie. He had a green thumb, and the garden produce was enjoyed, canned and shared far and wide.  When Covid arrived and Terry was sidelined with ankle surgery, Heidi joined him to keep the garden thriving.

His woodworking shop, the Man Cave, hosted “board meetings” with his dear friend and neighbor Jerry and anyone who dropped by for a beer.

Terry’s getaway was the “wood processing center,” where he built up 5 years’ worth of firewood. He was splitting and stacking more as he was diagnosed with cancer in March.

Also known as TP, friends could count on him for advice, encouragement or a shoulder to lean on. In a crisis, he’d be on the phone or on his way. His work ethic was solid. He began working at a potato farm before his teens and worked for Red Cloud area farmers and numerous jobs to get through college.

Friends recall his favorite saying: “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” Anyone carping about their lack of free time might hear: “Quit your job then.”  Also: “Don’t say can’t” and “There’s no I in team.” Good natured humor and sarcasm were among his strong traits. He loved western movies and country music.

He is survived by his wife Diane, Eagle; daughter Heidi Peirce, Lincoln; brother Larry(Angie) Peirce of Kansas; sister Linda Smith of Virginia; Sister-in-law Cherlene Peirce and brother-in-law Joe Cagnina; nephews, nieces and cousins.

Preceding him in death: parents, sister Myrna Cagnina; brothers Mark, Michael, and Jim; sister-in-law Margaret Peirce; brother-in-law James Waldo Smith; nephews Dan Peirce and Marty Smith.

Donations in memory of Terry Peirce are directed to the Red Cloud Community Fund and the Arbor Day Foundation. Donations via the website are preferred.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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