It is with great sadness that we share the news that Waconia High School social studies teacher and former girls basketball coach Carl Pierson has passed away after courageously fighting esophageal cancer.
Carl was a beloved colleague, teacher, friend, and coach to many in the Waconia Public Schools community. Carl taught and coached in several school districts during his 26-year career, but found a home in Waconia in 2011. He was passionate about teaching U.S. Government to high school students and also served as head girls basketball coach from 2011-2019. In 2022, he was inducted into the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Pierson authored two books during his career, including “The Politics of Coaching” and “The Other Side of Glory,” which chronicles the 2019-20 Waconia girls’ basketball season.
Carl is survived by his wife Jean and his two sons, Boston and Colton along with countless other family and friends. Celebration of Life plans will be communicated to district staff when they become available.
Grief support will be available to Waconia High School staff and students next week. Details of those supports are being communicated to those groups via email.
**Jan. 28 Update**
To view the full obituary and Memorial Service arrangement details, visit www.johnsonfh.com/obituary/carl-pierson.
