Desanka "Desa" (Keseric) Peirce

Desanka “Desa” Peirce (nee Keseric), 89 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the William J. Riley Memorial Residence, Munster. She was the beloved wife of 64 years to the late John P. Peirce who passed away September 22, 2024; loving mother of Marc (Jacqueline) Peirce, John Peirce and late infant son, Nicholas; cherished grandmother of Hannah (Tony) Franchetti, Jordan (Cody) Kozuch,  Cameron, Evan, Jack and Joe Peirce; adoring great grandma of Lucas and Noah Franchetti; dearest sister of Nada (late Nick) Tomasic, Jovan Keseric and the late Jovanka Pavic and Janko Keseric; nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services were held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting, with the Rev James Dvorscak., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond.  Expressions of sympathy may be shared on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Desa Peirce was born on May 16, 1936 to Nikola and Danica Keseric in Zumberak, Croatia. She was a graduate of the University of Zagreb and was a former high school teacher. A longtime resident of Whiting, she was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Desa and her late husband, John were the owners and operators of Burton’s Men’s Store in Whiting for many years. She loved flowers and enjoyed gardening, but most of all she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Devoted to her family, Desa will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave., Munster, IN 46321, would be appreciated. 

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