Joseph Bierwagen

Lansing

Our loving Dad, Joe, passed away Friday, January 20, 2017 and was reunited with his wife, Frances. He was born February 29, 1924 (leap year) in South Bend, IN to Joseph and Mary Bierwagen. His family moved to Owosso, MI where he spent his childhood, graduated in 1942 from St. Paul’s Catholic HS and there met Frances Mahaney. Joe served his country in the Army during World War II. He was wounded and captured in Anzio, Italy, and held in a German POW camp for 18 months. At War’s end and soon after his return to the States on Mother’s Day, 1945, Joe and Frances were engaged and married July 3, 1945. Joe became an electrician and worked 45 years for Barker Fowler of Lansing, retiring in 1988. Joe and Fran were charter members of Resurrection Church and Joe was an usher. He was an honorary member of Knights of Columbus, VFW Jeffreys Post 1654, Commander of American Ex-Prisoners of War, American Legion and 70 year member (retired) of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #665.

Joe’s family was always his priority and he took great care of them. He was an Indy Racing League fan avidly following the season and going to various races in the country; he attended the Indianapolis 500 as a young boy and then consecutively for the last 27 years! He also enjoyed his time with many friends with visits, lunches, golf, and bowling. Dad added wit, humor, optimism (even whistling while he worked) to his conversations.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, Frank and Marie Mahaney, sister Patricia “Patsy” Marrah and brother-in-law William Loewenstein. He lost his “sweetie” Frances in 2000, and his dear granddaughter, Kristen Bierwagen earlier that year.

He is survived by five children, Richard (Doreen) Bierwagen of St. Peters, MO, Jean Chingman of Memphis, TN, Don Bierwagen of Lansing, Carol (Phil) Dowker of Grand Ledge, and Larry (Cindy) Bierwagen of Springport; nine grandchildren, Kyle and Justin Bierwagen, Nicholas (Cristy) Dowker, Dana (Sean) Justice, Alina Branscombe, Robert (Shelia), Michael (Keisha), David, and Amy Chingman; thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is brother, Robert (Sandy) Bierwagen; sister, Dorothy Loewenstein: brother-in-law, William Marrah and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 24, 2017, 11:00 a.m., Church of the Resurrection, 1505 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, with Fr. Steve Mattson officiating. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The Wake will be Monday, January 23, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the service at The Church of the Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912.

Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Joseph to the Church.

On line condolences may be made at

www.greastlansing.com