In Memory of Amanda Faye Pierson

Amanda (Reed) Pierson, age 39, of Two Harbors, Minnesota (formerly of Ida Grove, Iowa), passed away on August 28, 2026 at her residence in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2026, in the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home in Ida Grove, Iowa. Celebrant Beth Vogt will officiate.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Amanda Faye Reed Pierson of Two Harbors, MN (formally from Ida Grove, Iowa), passed away unexpectedly on Friday August 28^th at her residence.

Amanda was the daughter of Michelle Reed and Kevin Howell, and the late Johnny and Tina Reed.  Born March 9, 1987, in Ida Grove.  She attended and graduated from OABCIG High School.  After high school she began working at the Super 8 Motel in Ida Grove.  Her love for children drew her to begin a career in daycare but after a year, she became ill and had to leave her position.  She spent most of her life in and around the area prior to spending the last 10 years in Minnesota. 

During the summers, Amanda would spend time in Minnesota with her Aunt Tina and Uncle Jamie and help with their young son Derek.  At the age of 7 months, Amanda taught Derek how to walk.  As a parent, it was exciting but in the same breath, it was not……that means life as you knew it was over!!  Amanda had several joys in her life from the camping trips with family, to vacations out in the Black Hills and California, and to becoming a mother. 

On December 21, 2004, Amanda gave birth to her first daughter, Payton.   From birth, Payton was a spitting image of Amanda.  Amanda was proud of that.  On October 16, 2007, along came Amanda’s second daughter Hailey.  This addition was the added spice that Amanda needed.  Always keeping her on her toes.  Then finally, on January 11, 2011, Amanda gave birth to her only son Dakota.  With the birth of Dakota, Amanda’s family was complete.  Amanda was proud of all 3 of her children. 

On March 19, 2019, Amanda met James Nord while living in Princeton, MN.  In a short period, they became close and shared the same goals of wanting to move from that area.  Together they began a new but busy life in Two Harbors, working side by side remodeling homes.  Amanda took great pride in teaching herself and some coaching from James, the ins and outs of refurbishing old wooden furniture.  In July of 2024, she got a surprise visit from 2 of her aunts and uncles.  She showed off all the work she put into kitchen cabinets of a house her and James were remodeling.  And showing them all the furniture that she was refurbishing   their work was amazing.   She was so overjoyed with those projects and was excited about the outcome.  James and Amanda enjoyed their time together and their remodeling projects. 

 Let to cherish her memory are her children, Payton Mathies, Hailey Reed, and Dakota Monroy all of Ida Grove, IA; grandchildren Aria and Malikai Reed; mother Michelle Reed and step father Kevin Howell; siblings: Christopher Reed (fiancé Misty Greder) of Ida Grove, IA, Andrew Howell of Ida Grove, IA, Nate Teneyck of Atlantic, IA, Dusti Shul of Dow City, IA, Elizabeth (Juan) Duran of Bern, NC, and Billie Reed of Cedar Rapids, IA; grandmother Vida Palmer of Ida Grove, IA; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Amanda was preceded in death by her father Johnny (Tina) Reed; grandmother Betty Reed; grandfather Charles “Chub” Palmer; grandfather Richard Johnson; grandmother Illene Howell; and cousin Torie Kelsheimer.