He stayed at the Manitowoc college until his death, except for three years from 1979 to 1982, when he served as provincial for the Salvatorians' USA province, based in Milwaukee. Shepard said that Fr. Pierce left a remarkable legacy at Silver Lake. Justin was instrumental in building community through his care and concern for each and every person, the initiation of lively exchanges that challenged people to reflect and grow socially and spiritually, and his wit and sense of humor. When you conversed with him, you knew what he thought and how he felt.
Many people know exactly how Fr.
Pierce felt and loved him for it. When he knew he was going to die, Fr. Pierce decided to have a combined birthday and going home party at the college this past June. He was amazed at the number of people who came. One was Helen Scieszka, pastoral minister at Chilton Interparish and a former psychology professor at Silver Lake where she and Fr.