Wolodymir “Walter” Biberstein, 89, of Stillman Valley IL passed away surrounded by family on August 25th at Serenity Home and Hospice in Oregon, IL. Walter was born on April 4, 1937, the son of Wolodymir and Maria Biberstein. He grew up in Europe where he enjoyed being a Boy Scout and, later, a Boy Scout camp counselor. He also worked as a cook’s assistant and often local translator for the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division in Germany. He immigrated to Rockford, IL in 1959 where he worked for Rockford Products for 40 years.
He married his dearly beloved wife, Kathryn Mae Meyers, on July 1, 1967 in Rockford. They enjoyed traveling to all 50 states as well as Canada and Europe. Along with building their own home, they were avid gardeners, bird watchers, and spent many vacations camping and fishing. Walter also enjoyed building bluebird houses, watching the bison at Nachusa Grasslands, working on household projects, collecting hats, and displaying his patriotism by always respectfully flying his US flag.
Predeceased by his wife, Kathryn; his parents; and his sisters, Lena, Bronia, Eugenia, Valentina, Nina and Anna. He is survived by daughters, Jane Biberstein and Kay Biberstein; son, William (Stephanie) Biberstein; and two grandsons, Nicholas and Jacob. Also; sisters, Lydia Salley and Alexandra Wendenon; brother-in law, Carl Meyers; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Banks and Carolyn Corken; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Special thanks to his home health nurse Amanda and to Serenity Home and Hospice.
Visitation for Wolodymir will be held from Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W State Street, Rockford, IL 61102 with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm. Burial at Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Serenity Home and Hospice and Nachusa Grasslands, The Nature Conservancy.
