Edward August Piering of Duluth passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2013 after a brief stay in Hospice at St. Luke's Hospital. Ed was born on August 15, 1927 in Duluth, MN to Mildred C. (Lottie Jonas) and August E. Piering.  He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Elaine Boberg, sister Rosemary Eby and a half-brother, Courtney Piering. Nieces and a nephew survive Ed.  Paula (Tom) Johnston of Superior, WI who had a special place in his heart, Paulette (Tommy) Hughes of Alabama, Skip August (Peggy) Buehring of Duluth, and Susan Tuve of Duluth are the children of Ed's sister, Elaine Boberg.  Sue and Cathy of California are the children of his sister, Rosemary Eby.  His half-brother, Courtney Piering, also had two daughters.  They are Jaclyn Hagen of Oklahoma and Debra Ann Ryan of Texas.  A life long friend of 58 years, Donald (Susan) Schliep, and his family also survives Ed. At an early age Ed went to work for the North Pacific Railroad.  Soon he was sent home as they found out he was not old enough to be working there.  He spent a short time in the Army Air Force.  When his father died, he returned home to care for his mother and sisters.  In 1949 Ed started to work for the Minnesota DNR-Fisheries.  Off and on at nights for about 10 years he worked for Lyon's Ambulance Service as a driver/paramedic.  In 1989 he retired from the DNR.  Ed gave 24 years of service to Portman's Senior Center as a volunteer.  He opened the center every morning, leaving home right before 7:00 AM; he got the coffee ready; he set the tables for lunch; he ran errands and picked up their supplies; he helped plan and organize their bus trips; and he did anything that needed to be done. A little known fact about Ed:  He used to scuba dive and didn't know how to swim.  The club was the "Frigid Frogs". A special thank-you is given to all the workers at Polinsky Dialysis Center and Ellyn at St. Luke's Hospice.  The family also wishes to thank Ed's doctors and nurses.  A special thank you to Doctor Steven Long.  Ed thought that you were the "best"!  We also want to say thank you to the staff at Westwood Assisted Living.  His stay was brief but everyone was very kind. In lieu of flowers a memorial in his name could be given to the "Minnesota Conservation Volunteer".  This magazine is published by The Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155-4010. All his family and friends will miss Ed. Celebration of Life:  11:00 AM, Thursday, February 14, 2013 with visitation one-hour prior to the funeral service at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk.  Burial in Calvary Cemetery.  Arrangements by Sunrise Funeral Home.  www.sunrisefuneralhomeandcemetery.com