Edson L. Pierstorff, 87, Celina, died at 4:15 p.m. March 21, 2011, at Colonial Nursing Center in Rockford.

He was born Aug. 11, 1923, in Celina, to Edward and Hazel Fast Pierstorff. On Feb. 18, 1950, he married Marjorie Lou Buck, who survives.

Also surviving is a son, Niles (Caroline) Pierstorff, Celina; a brother, Dallas (Kitty) Pierstorff, Celina; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Rockford High School in 1941. He served with the Marines during World War II at Iwo Jima and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal of Honor for his services. He was a member of Only Believe Ministries in Botkins and was a former member and Sunday school teacher at Hope Evangelical Church. He was a life member of the Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5713. He was a farmer and a mechanic. He worked at Nuding Massey Ferguson, Fisher Implement in Chattanooga, Lefeld Implement Inc. and Mercer County Engine Services. He was a volunteer fireman in Chattanooga and was active in the former Mercer County Rangers. He was a member of the Celina Historical Society and was on the board of directors at Mercer Landmark.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Lehman-Hogenkamp-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina, the Rev. John Rodgers Sr. officiating. Burial with military honors is at Buck Cemetery in Celina.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

A VFW members service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons International.

Condolences may be left at LHDfuneralhome.com.