Obituary of Delila Frances Pierce

Delila Frances Pierce, 88, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022 at her home in Golden Valley, MN.

Delila was born January, 21, 1934 in St. Cloud, MN to Lawrence and Alvina (Hechtel) Pierskalla. Delila graduated from Patrick Henry High School with top honors. She went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she entered Law School. She was a board member of the Minnesota Law Review and graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1958. Delila was a practicing attorney for fifteen years. In 1973 Delila was sworn in as Minnesota’s first woman Family Court Referee. Delila was appointed Municipal Court Judge in 1974, and District Court Judge in 1983. Delila continued serving as Hennepin County District Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District until her retirement in 2002. Delila spent her retirement traveling, relaxing in the summer months at her Golden Valley home and Richmond, MN cabin, and enjoying the winters months in her Sarasota, FL home.

Delila is survived by her sister Claire (Lee) Hickey of Robbinsdale, MN, brothers Mel (Nancy) Pierskalla of Rapid City, SD and Norman (Janet) Pierskalla of Brooklyn Park, MN and 14 nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Luella (Craig) Klotter and brothers Marvin (Lynn) Pierskalla and Vernon (Joan) Pierskalla.

A private service will be held in memory of Delila.