Dr. R. Scott Pierce
June 25, 1947 -
November 20, 2025
Dr. R. Scott Pierce, 78, passed away on November 20, 2025, and unites with his beloved wife and life partner Roxanne Heide Pierce. Together in eternity.
Born in Glenview, Illinois, to Earl V. Pierce and Jean B. Pierce, the family moved to Kenosha, WI where Scott grew up with his brothers, Ron Pierce (deceased 2024) and Dave Pierce (Florida). As a young man, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a distinction that reflected his early commitment to leadership and community.
Scott dedicated his life to education. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Carthage College (1971), a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (1989), and a Doctorate in Education from Carthage College (2001). He served as Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Jefferson (1997-2003), Superintendent of Kenosha Unified District (2003-2007), and as District Administrator for the Westosha Central High School District (2008-2018). For many years he was a member and chair of the Gateway Technical College Board of Trustees. His steady leadership and vision helped strengthen technical education across the region.
After his retirement in 2018, Scott continued to embrace his lifelong love of music and education. He continued to educate and inspire future educators as an adjunct professor at Cardinal Stritch University, Carthage College, and Concordia University. One of his greatest passions was singing with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and enjoyed performing with them for many years.
Beyond his professional achievements, Scott was an avid athlete. He loved jogging, distance running, swimming, and cycling - pursuits that reflected his love of the outdoors and passion for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. He also raised several generations of labrador retrievers who were his running companions and second family.
Scott was preceded in death by his wife, Roxanne; father, Earl; mother, Jean, and brother Ron. He leaves behind his daughter, Heather Heide Pierce Carrick (Mequon, WI); granddaughter, Kyla; and twin grandsons, Finn and Orin; as well as brother, Dave; and nephews and nieces, all of whom brought him immeasurable pride and joy.
Scott's remarkable legacy - as an educator, leader, musician, athlete, husband, father, and grandfather, will be long remembered. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.
In accordance with Scotts wishes, there will be no formal service. Those wishing to honor his memory may make donations to the Gateway Technical Foundation.
Posted by:
Craig A AhernPosted on:
December 5, 2025His legacy of athletics, intellect, wisdom, and aesthetics will live on through others as inspiration. "O Captain! My Captain!" Our fearful trip is done. (Whitman, W, 1865) I am grateful and honored to know such a great beloved man. Your contributions to Wisconsin's youth are impeccable. You are an example of how learning enriches, beautifies, and expands lives.
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Ken SpechtPosted on:
December 4, 2025It was a pleasure and learning experience working with Scott as a volunteer with the Scouting program.
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John ThibodeauPosted on:
December 3, 2025My deepest condolences to Scott's family and colleagues. Scott was a tireless educational champion. As a Gateway trustee, Scott asked the hard questions and focused on excellence. I worked closely with him as an administrator at Gateway, and I will always value and respect Scott's legacy.
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December 2, 2025Sorry to hear of our loss of Scott. Recently worked with him at a few levels for Three Harbors Council Boy Scouts. First meeting was at Robert S. Lyle Scout Reservation, where “R. Scott” served as camp director, over 50 years ago. My condolences to the family.
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December 2, 2025Scott has many talents and interests. Gateway Technical College had a special place in his educator heart. No one cared more about the importance of this college than Scott. The staff, the students and the counties Gateway served were paramount in his actions and thoughts. He will be missed by us all.
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December 2, 2025Farewell, colleague. Always enjoyed our friendship as fellow superintendents.
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Joe ShorePosted on:
December 2, 2025Many Scouting memories of Scott. From our youthful days on Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta staff to our later years as Scouting volunteers. You will be missed.
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Gail NetzerPosted on:
December 2, 2025I am so sad to hear of Scott's passing. I worked closely with him throughout his tenor at Westosha Central. He was my direct supervisor and friend. Scott had a true passion for education and made decisions in the best interest of students. He was very proud of his daughter and grandchildren and spoke of them frequently. He will be missed. His family is in my prayers.
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Kathleen O MillerPosted on:
December 1, 2025Always a kind, friendly person. Our loss.
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Jackie and Dal DrummerPosted on:
December 1, 2025We have many fond memories of Scott. We sang with him in the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers at Carthage and graduated with him in 1971. Our paths crossed again as singers in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for many years. We hope Scott has found a heavenly choir to sing with.
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Tricia MathiePosted on:
December 1, 2025My deepest condolences to you, Heather and the rest of Scott’s family. I sang with Scott in the MSO Chorus for many years, where his voice was a sweet as his friendship. His ready smile, easy conversation, and dapper style was always a pleasure to see at every practice. He will be greatly missed and always fondly remembered. My deepest sympathies, Tricia
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MICHAEL PALMERPosted on:
December 1, 2025I REMEMBER SCOTT WELL AS WE SANG TOGETHER AS SECOND TENORS IN THE TREMPER A-CAPPELLA CHOIR UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MR. RUNESTAD. WE WERE BOTH EAGLE SCOUTS BUT IN DIFFERENT TROOPS. HE TRULY LIVED HIS LIFE AS AN EAGLE SCOUT WHO LIVED BY THE SCOUT LAW AND OATH.
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Maggie JurgensPosted on:
November 30, 2025I had a chance to meet Scott at the Courthouse. He was training as a bailiff and I had the pleasure of training him. I knew he had been the Superintendent of Kenosha Unified. I was a little nervous teaching him. He was so humble and was so gracious. To his daughter and grandchildren, I am so sorry for your loss.
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Tamarra ColemanPosted on:
November 30, 2025My deepest condolences to the family of Scott Pierce. It was an honor to serve alongside him during our time on the Kenosha Unified School District and Gateway Technical College Boards of Trustees. Scott was a dedicated leader whose steady presence, thoughtful insight, and genuine commitment to our community made a lasting impact. May his life and legacy continue to inspire all of us who had the privilege to work with him or were impacted by his leadership. The entire Pierce family is in my thoughts and prayers.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Rev. Michale & Tamarra Coleman
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Mike SerpePosted on:
November 30, 2025A kind and gentle man, loved and respected by all who were fortunate enough to be in his orbit
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John FrostPosted on:
November 30, 2025Scott will be deeply missed. He gave freely to improve his community and all of us who had the pleasure of his leadership and talents. As the first Eagle Scout in Troop 32, Scott forged a path for all of us Eagles that followed. I am even more happy that I was able to call him "my friend". May you safely rest in God's home. You will never be forgotten.
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Jane Harrington-HeidePosted on:
November 30, 2025I was saddened to learn of the passing of my brother-in-law Scott; a person of such vitality and enthusiasm. He touched many lives and will be missed. If one can find any good in the manner in which he passed, it is that it occured while pursuing his passion of song.
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Bryan AlbrechtPosted on:
November 29, 2025My sincere condolences to Scott’s family. He was a servant leader and special colleague, mentor and friend to both Lisa and I. His impact on the communities her served as well as leaving a legacy at Gateway Technical College.
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Dr. Richard SjoerdsmaPosted on:
November 28, 2025Scott was a sophomore at Carthage College when I joined the faculty, and he studied voice under me for the following three years. His was a fine tenor voice that he used with intelligence and sensitivity. I very much enjoyed and respected Scott as a student and, later, as a friend and colleague. When the MSO Chorus participated in concerts that I attended, our paths often would cross at intermission or post-concert, and we would catch up on each other's lives. On Nov. 23, at the MSO performance of Handel's Messiah, I looked in vain for Scott on the risers, then learned the terrible news the next day. I am deeply saddened by his passing.
