BERT BIERWAGEN

April 18, 1918 - July 30, 2008
NILES - Bert A. Bierwagen, was born April 18, 1918, in South Bend, to Chester Bierwagen and Blanche (Klota) Bierwagen.

He attended Wagner Grade School in South Bend and graduated in 1936 from Central High School in South Bend.

Mr. Bierwagen worked at Singer Sewing Plant, Tyler Refrigeration and retired from National Standard Company in Niles in 1983.

On November 30, 1957 he married Alma (Burke) Bierwagen in Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka. In 1962 they moved to Niles. Bet was an avid fisherman and played slow pitch softball with Thomas Tommies and Rutherfords Softball. He bowled, first in South Bend and later in Niles. He always had a big garden.

Bert loved traveling in the United States with Alma and friends. They spent quite a few winters in Florida visiting family.

Bert served in World War II from April 2, 1941 to September 20, 1945, most of this time was spent in the Pacific Theater, Luzon and the northern Solomon Islands. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Defense Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and two Bronze Stars. He was with the 131st Combat Engineers.

Preceding him in death are his parents; four brothers, Len, Irvin "Ike", John and Chester; and a sister, Marie Ridens.

Surviving are his wife, Alma; sister-in-law, Marilyn; 14 nephews; nine nieces; and very special cousins in Lansing, MI, Hammond, IN, and South Bend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Bert A. Bierwagen at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4 in Saint Mary Catholic Church, Niles, with Rev. William T. Melody officiating, Notre Dame. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with an evening Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Mr. Bierwagen may be made to the C.S.C. Food Pantry or may be written for Masses.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 1, 2008.

01/01/2023 EJS