Biermann, Richard Gene "Dick" 1926-2125

BIERMANN, FAY, FLATT, HELGESON, HOWELL, FERNANDEZ

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/14/2017 at 16:26:34

Richard "Dick" Biermann
1926-2012
Clive

Richard Gene Biermann, 86, joined his beloved wife in glory, Thursday, September 6, 2012. Dick was born July 21, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa to Harry and Hazel Biermann. He graduated from Des Moines North High School in 1944. Immediately following Graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and trained as an electrician and served during the war stationed in the Philippine Islands.

Upon his return, Dick enrolled at Iowa State University in 1946. He graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1950 and took over his father's company, Biermann's Electric. Dick served as president for 41 years. Dick was united in marriage with his "sweetheart" Lee Fay on June 15, 1947, they made their home in Windsor Heights and shared 64 years together raising their four children. He was a lifelong member and an Elder of St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines.

Throughout his electrical engineering career, Dick has volunteered, served, directed and received numerous professional recognitions, as well as national and international awards. From 1962 to 1994, he served on several different panels for the National Electrical Code. An unprecedented achievement was serving as chairman of the NEC for fourteen years. Dick earned the National Coggeshall Award for Outstanding Contribution to Technical Progress and Training, the National James H. McGraw Award and Medal for Leadership Demonstration in guiding in Technical and Safety Activities, received the National Standards Medal by the National Standards Institute, the Recipient Industry Leadership Award by the Iowa Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association for Community activities promoting Apprentice and Journeyman Training an management Development.

Dick was also inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Electrical Contracting and the first to have "Member Emeritus" in the National Electrical Code Technical Correlating Committee. Dick was also a member of the National Fire Protection Association, serving on the board of Directors from 1991 through 1997. He was the first person from the electrical field to be appointed to this board. In 1995, Dick received the Paul C. Lamb Award for his contribution for keeping the public safe. This is the highest form of recognition that is awarded by the NFPA. A passionate outdoorsman, Dick celebrated and shared his love of nature, wildlife and conservation with many friends and family. An avid fisherman, Dick was often found walking the banks of Iowa rivers in search of catfish and fishing the lakes and streams of Alaska, Minnesota and Canada. He was an active member of the Isaak Walton League and a generous contributor to several conservation organizations.

Dick was recently inducted into the North High School Hall Of Fame. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Dale (Lori) Biermann of Ankeny, Iowa, Phyllis (David) Flatt of Sarasota, Florida, Robert Biermann of Hamburg, New Jersey and Elaine ( Scott) Helgeson of Lake Mills, Iowa; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his sister, Phyllis Howell of Des Moines, Iowa, and his brother, Bill (Mildred) Biermann of Urbandale, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lee Fay and his sister, Doris Fernandez.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 14, 2012 at 11 a.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, The Isaak Walton League, and St. John's Lutheran Church. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Thurs 13 Sept 2012.