Carlos Oren Pierce

Carlos Oren Pierce, 87, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester from complications after breaking his leg.
He was born on October 30, 1938, in Utica Township to Simmons and Hazel (Roth) Pierce. Carlos attended Perry Country School and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1956. He was married to Helen Spitzer on May 2, 1959. They farmed from 1961 until 1967. In June of 1967 the couple and two sons moved into St. Charles and later divorced.
Carlos had many jobs including installing high line poles, bartending, and milking cows for other farmers. He worked for Twin Valley Ag for 40 plus years until his retirement in November of 2008.
On December 1, 2007, Carlos and Helen McDougal Ellinghuysen were married at St. Matthew Church in St. Charles, Minnesota. They enjoyed retirement by traveling on bus trips throughout the United States, cruises to Alaska, Panama Canal and Hawaii. They shared a love for gardening and canned a lot of fruits and vegetables together.
In his younger years, Carlos enjoyed water skiing, snowmobiling up north and Wyoming, riding his motorcycle with his brother, Wesley, fishing, deer hunting, jeep riding, vegetable gardening and country music.
Carlos was active in the community also, helping build the first swimming pool in St. Charles, a 31-year member of the Volunteer Fire Department, former Moose Club member, and he was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2016 for the Winona County Fair. Carlos and Helen were named King and Queen of the Winona County Fair in 2018. In 2010 they took on the responsibility of caretakers of the Worth Cemetery in Saratoga Township where Carlos will be laid to rest beside his son, Rick.
Carlos is survived by his son Kevin of Faribault, MN; daughter in law, Terri Pierce; his brother Dale (Anne) of Utica; brother-in-law Cleyson Plank of Lewiston; two nieces and five nephews and their families along with many cousins and friends. He is further survived by his wife, Helen and her family; his stepson Fred McDougal of La Crosse, WI; two grandchildren James Martin and Carrie Milkent; six great grandchildren; sister-in-law Rhonda Greenlee of Chatfield, MN and brother in laws Jerry Finley of Chatfield, Myron Kalstabakken of Las Vegas, NV; and former wife, Helen Hirschey.
He was preceded in death by his son Rick in 2002, his parents, brother Wesley Pierce and his wife Janice; sisters Frances Plank and Norma Laqua; great niece Missy Anderson and his stepdaughter Mary Martin of Bluff Siding, WI.
Honorary Pallbeares will be his nieces, nephews and David Golish.
Memorial Services were held Saturday April 18, 2026, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MN.
Memorials can be directed to the St. Charles Fire Department, St. Charles Ambulance, St. Jude Hospital for Children or a charity of your choice.
Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.