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Obituary for Jack Elmer Pierson Big Rapids - Jack Elmer Pierson, 91, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2022, at his home. He was born September 8, 1930, in Shelby, MI, the son of Elmer and Hattie (Kamstra) Pierson, and graduated from Shelby High School in 1948. Jack then served in the U.S. Air Force before being honorably discharged in 1955. He earned his Associate degree in pre-engineering from Muskegon Junior College in 1956, his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with honors (Major in Structural Engineering) from Michigan Technological University in 1959, and then went on to get his Master of Science in Civil Engineering (Major in Surveying and Mapping; Minor in Urban Transportation) from Purdue University in Indiana in 1969. Jack had many jobs in his lifetime including, a student research assistant at Michigan Tech, a highway design engineer for the MDOT, a teaching assistant at Purdue University, a survey party chief, and self-employed as a consulting engineer and land surveyor. From 1962-1986 he was an instructor/assistant professor of surveying and civil technology at Ferris State University. After retiring from Ferris, he worked for the Kent County Department of Public Works as manager of solid waste/landfill operations, and ended his working years as president and part owner in the practice of engineering and surveying for Carter-Pierson, LLC. From 1970-72 Jack served as a member of the Big Rapids Plan Board. From 1975-1980 he served (in order) as treasurer, vice-president, president- elect, president and past-president of the Michigan section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Over several years he wrote many papers including, "Justice Cooley Annotated", "The Evaluation of Real and Physical Evidence". and "Astronomic Observations by the Time Angle Method" and presented them to the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors at their annual meetings. Jack was a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a member of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors. He was licensed as a Professional Engineer and a Professional Surveyor in Michigan. In his later years, Jack developed a relationship with his Lord Jesus. The family is so grateful for Jack's caregivers, Sharen, Laurie, Elainna, and Cindy that spent his last few months with him. On March 23, 1957, Jack married Paula Fecht, who preceded him in death in 2002. He is survived by his daughter Polly (John) Byers; several nieces and nephews including special nieces and nephews, Jim and Nancy Schlaudt, and Steve and Patti Schlaudt; and his fur babies, Minnie and Shadow. He was also preceded in death by an infant son Paul in 1960, two sisters, and two brothers. A private family service will be held in the spring. Jack will be laid to rest next to his wife Paula in the Evergreen Cemetery in Oceana County. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to ARC of Mecosta County or another animal rescue organization of choice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.