Donald Henry BIERL

BIERL, SCHRODER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/30/2006 at 13:06:02

Donald Henry Bierl, age 75, of Clarion, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2005, at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December 2, at the St. John's Catholic Church, Clarion. Father Chris Podhajsky officiated at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Interment was in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Clarion.

Donald Henry Bierl was born on July 18, 1930, on a farm near Templeton, Iowa and was the oldest son of Albert and Pauline (Schroder) Bierl. In 1940, the Bierl family moved to Clarion where his father opened the Gamble Store. Don graduated from the Clarion High School in 1948 and joined the Navy. His tour of duty took him to New London, Connecticut, where he served in the submarine service. Upon his discharge, he returned to Clarion where he took correspondence courses in radio and television repair. On February 16, 1952, he married Darlene Marlys Anderson at the St. John's Catholic Church in Clarion. Don was called back to active duty during the Korean War and was assigned to the USS Winston. After his second tour of duty, he returned to Clarion and started a radio and television repair shop in the back of the Gamble Store. In 1962, Don's Radio and TV Service moved to 506 Central Avenue. In 1975, the store was relocated to 217 North Main Street where his oldest son, Mike joined the business. After serving Clarion and surrounding communities for 28 years, Don began a career with Combined Insurance Companies of America. Don was with Combined Insurance for 15 years where he was a Sales Representative and District Manager. After retiring from Combined Insurance, he was employed by Life Touch Studio for seven years as a sales representative and school picture photographer. Don was an avid sportsman and enjoyed various outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, RV'ing, bowling and golf. Many of his friends also knew him as an avid Hawkeye fan. He was an active member of the St. John's Catholic Church for over 60 years, having served as Cantor, Communion Minister and a member of the Choir.

Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene of Clarion; children, Michael; Ramona and husband, Dennis; Michelle; Steven and wife, Heather; James and wife, Carrie; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vernus and Duane; and a sister, Mary Anne.

December 8, 2005
© Wright County Monitor 2005