SHERMAN, Ill. — Brian R. Piersma, 73, of Sherman, Illinois went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 11:30 p.m. after a battle with lung cancer for six years. He was born on March 27, 1948, and raised in Rochelle, the son of Sidney and Millicent (Worthy) Piersma.

Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and economics along with a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Eastern Illinois University. While at Eastern, he was a four year tennis letterman and met the love of his life, Judy Copeland. They married on Dec. 26, 1970.

He retired from IDOT after 30 years, working primarily in personnel management. He taught marketing and management courses for 18 years at LLCC as an adjunct faculty and taught many tennis lessons over the years.

Brian was active in the community, serving eight years on the Williamsville-Sherman School Board. He was also active in the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield as a deacon and elder (clerk of session). More recently, he attended Springfield First United Methodist Church.

He was an avid Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs fan. He played sports his whole life and especially loved to go dancing with his wife, Judy.

Brian is survived by his wife, Judy Piersma of Sherman; daughter, Kristin (James) Spagnola of West Bend, Wisconsin; son, Derek Piersma of Chatham; grandson, Gavin Myatt; granddaughters, Emma Myatt and Grace Piersma; brothers, Brad (Jean) Piersma and Brent Piersma, both of Bradenton, Florida.

Visitation is from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10 at Staab Funeral Home in Sherman.

Funeral service is at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11 at Staab Funeral Home in Sherman with Rev. Dr. Michael Keppler officiating. Burial will follow at Steenbergen Cemetery in Mt. Pulaski.

Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield First United Methodist Church.

CDC protocol shall be followed.