June Lundquist Pierce

June A. Pierce passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Billings Clinic. She died of cardiac failure that began a mere 48 hours before her earthly life ended. June was proud of her active, independent life, and would be relieved to know the end was brief.

June was born in Billings, on June 3, 1926, to James and Emma Wismeyer. June was born on the 4th birthday of her cousin Donna Shawhan who always regarded June as the best birthday present ever.

June graduated from Billings Senior High in 1944, and then attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, for two years. In her junior year, she transferred to Montana State University, Bozeman.

In 1947, she married Frank Lundquist in Billing. Frank had served in WWII, and was called from the Reserves when the Korean War began. June, and their young son Jay, lived in San Diego, while Frank was stationed in Hawaii. June, Frank, and Jay returned to Billings and added Judy, Diane, and Irene to the family.

Following Frank's untimely death in 1964, June shouldered the raising of her children, as well as pursuing other activities. She was a charter member of Billings Friendship Chapter Order of Eastern Star; Past Queen of Daughters of the Nile; a grey lady at Billings Deaconess Hospital; worked for KBMY radio running a women's local news program; and was a volunteer at Moss Mansion. She also gave her time and spirit to her children's activities in Cub Scouts, DeMolay, Girl Scouts and Rainbow for Girls. She took pleasure in traveling, playing bridge, reading, growing roses, and collecting miniatures.

In 1977, she married Richard D. Pierce, and they enjoyed their cabin on the Stillwater, and traveling. Following Richard's death in 1989, June continued to travel the world.

She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church where she played in the bell choir, and was active in church women organizations. She always was ready to bring a plate of cookies to any and all events.

June was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands; son Jay; daughter Irene; brother-in-law Ron Lundquist; and brother Ed Wismeyer and his two wives, Jo and Betty.

June is survived by her daughter, Judy Lundquist; daughter Diane (Jerry) Jasmer; daughter-in-law Donna Martin (Craig Sorensen); granddaughters Jessica Brown (Tony Kauffman), Jackie (Zach) Fisher and Kasandra Lundquist-Hadley (Mark Hadley); and five great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her sister-in-law Leona Hardy; nephews Jim Wismeyer and Jack Wismeyer; and nieces Jan Miles, Julie Pannone and Laura Lundquist.

Cremation has taken place. Service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at First Presbyterian Church, 13th Street West and Poly Drive. A reception at the church will follow the service. Per June's wishes, the family will inurn her ashes in Frank Lundquist's grave at Mountview Cemetery. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Moss Mansion Museum, or to a charity of choice.