Michael Eugene Bierbaum

Michael was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and papa. He worked at GE in the Aircraft and Motors division for 28 years before his retirement in 2015. Michael was a mentor for grade school Lego Robotics at St. Charles school. He was also part of the creative team behind Youth B.O.T, a program created by employees from GE which was geared toward High Schools in the area to compete in robot competitions. Michael also volunteered at TekVenture, coordinating the robotic area.

If you ever talked to Michael, you know that he loved a good debate. No topic was off limits. He loved listening to other people’s opinions and views. His hobbies included astronomy and looking at the planets, in awe of how large the world was around us. No wonder he was a "Trekkie". He could fix anything out of anything, a true MacGyver. He would reuse recyclable products to create items for daily use or just for decoration. It was his way of making a small difference for our planet. Out of all his interests, what gave him the most joy was becoming a papa to Lila.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cathleen “Cathy” Peters Bierbaum; children, Lauren (Cameron) Messman and Justin Bierbaum; granddaughter, Lila Messman; siblings, John (Sue) Bierbaum, Charles (Susie) Bierbaum, David Bierbaum, Marlene (Matt) Campbell, Rita Bierbaum, Dawn (Rich) Brown.

He was preceded in death by sister, Sandra Smith; sister-in-law, Meg Bierbaum; and niece, Jessica Bierbaum.

The family of Michael would like to thank the nurses and staff at DaVita Appleseed, especially Lisa Chelf and Michelle Morehous, who was not only his nurse but became part of the family.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 pm to 5 pm on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN.