Robert E. Pierce, Jr.

Robert Edward Pierce Jr. was born on June 6, 1944, in Gary, Indiana, to the union of Robert Edward Pierce Sr. and Louise Stewart Pierce. Both of his parents preceded him in death.

Robert was a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He received his early education at St. Benedict the Moor and St. Boniface Catholic Schools and later completed his formal education through Milwaukee Public Schools. In his late twenties, he furthered his education at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM).

Baptized in the Catholic faith as a child, Robert remained a devoted man of God throughout his life. On most Sundays, he faithfully attended the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. After Mass, he would often attend services at New Creation Bible Church to support and hear his nephew preach, demonstrating his deep commitment to both faith and family.

Robert was married three times throughout his life. He first married Florian Stanley in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and through this union he was blessed with three children: Darryl Pierce, Kevin Plerce, and Lora Pierce, with Lora preceding him in death. He later married Linda Tate, also in Milwaukee, and from this marriage he was blessed with Lynnesha Pierce Craig and Reginald Pierce. Robert later married Karen Rubanka, with whom he shared nearly 35 years of marriage until her passing. Karen preceded him in death.

From a young age, Robert was a true go-getter with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He was always thinking of ways to earn pocket change–whether working a paper route, collecting bottles, or bundling rags for the salvage yard. His drive and ambition followed him into adulthood, where he pursued business ownership. Robert became an Amway distributor and later played an integral role in a Yellow Cab Cooperative, where he worked for approximately ten years. He eventually founded MRI Transport Company, a medical transportation service that provided rides to clients for their medical appointments. Robert was a visionary businessman, well ahead of his time.

Robert lived life fully and passionately. He deeply loved his family and was always ready with wise counsel for anyone who sought his advice. Known and loved by many, Robert enjoyed dancing, listening to music, swimming, boating, and spending time at the gun range. He loved traveling throughout the United States and abroad and especially cherished camping and creating memories with his children and grandchildren. A skilled and competitive bid whist card player, Robert always played with one goal in mind-to win. Above all, family was his priority, and he rarely missed a family gathering or celebration.

Robert Edward Pierce Jr. transitioned from this life on January 24, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Rubanka Pierce; mother-in-law, Agnes Rubanka; daughter, Lora Pierce; parents, Robert Edward Pierce Sr. and Louise Pierce; sisters, Christine Lewis and Patricia Moore; brothers, James Pierce and Everette Eugene Pierce; and nephews, Craig Pierce, Everette Pierce, and Dennis “Zeek” Pierce II. He leaves to cherish his loving memory and legacy his sons, Darryl Pierce, Kevin Pierce, and Reginald Pierce; daughter, Lynnesha Pierce Craig; brother, Dennis Pierce; sisters,  Ruth (Lawrence Sr.) Robinson, Mary (Bruce Sr.) Words, and Theresa Williams; grandchildren, Robert E.J. (Michelle) Pierce, Ryan Pierce, Raymund Pierce, Austin Craig, Ra’Niyah Williams, Alanna Jackson-Pierce, and Reginae Pierce; beloved friend and caregiver, Milli; extended family members Michael (Denise) Rubanka, Michael Rubanka Jr., and Hana Fuller; along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Robert Edward Pierce Jr. will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Visitation from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, with service at 2:00 PM, on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin.

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