John Bierbower

John Bierbower, age 69, of Aurora died Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at the Hamilton Manor.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, June 23rd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aurora. Fr. Dennis Hunt and Rev. Karl Larson will officiate. Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at Higby-McQuiston Mortuary. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: JOHN BIERBOWER

John Richard Bierbower, the youngest son of James C. and Margaret (Luby) Bierbower, was born on September 25, 1937 in Lincoln, NE. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Giltner, NE where James owned and operated the Giltner Gazette newspaper.

John attended the Giltner Public Schools where he participated in baseball, basketball, and track. He earned Honorable Mention All-State Class D Team in basketball. John graduated in 1954 as the valedictorian of his class at the age of sixteen.

After graduation, John attended Western State College in Gunnison, CO on a track scholarship for one year. Later, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in Economics, and graduated in 1960.

In 1958, he met Mary Louise Oswald in an aisle of Greg’s Drugs in Aurora while on a quest for “Evening in Paris” perfume for his mother. They were united in marriage on June 11, 1960 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

During his life, John was employed as an auditor for Gulf Oil, then as a sales representative for W.R. Grace. He then began farming in the Giltner area and continued until his retirement in 2000.

During his life, John was an active member in various organizations and in the community. He spent time in the U.S. Navy, earning an Honorable Discharge. For 20 years, he served as a volunteer for the Aurora Fire Department. For four years, John represented the First Ward on the Aurora City Council, and later served on the Planning Commission. He was also a board member for the Farmer’s Union. In addition, he was a member of the Lion’s Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and was involved in the Jaycee Racing Program.

John loved playing with his seven grandchildren. He enjoyed meeting with his friends and family, “actively discussing” a wide variety of subjects. John followed the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, attending many home, away, and bowl games. Additionally, he was an avid car and racing enthusiast. He traveled with his wife and five children to many destinations over the years.

John Bierbower was a loving and devoted husband and father, and a good friend to many. He was a man of great character, integrity and intelligence. He leaves a legacy of laughter and fond memories to each of us, and is already greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother James “Mick” Bierbower; his sisters June Bierbower, Margaret DeBord, Mary Lou Albracht, and infant sister Barbara.

He is survived by his brother, Dr. Robert Bierbower of Shelby, NE; his sister, Joan Kersey of College Station, TX; his wife, Mary; his five children, Julie (Philip) Shively of Aurora, NE, Linda (Kevin) Gustafson of Giltner, NE, John H. Bierbower of Aurora, NE, Jane (Lee) Hathaway of Scottsdale, AZ, and David (Terri) Bierbower of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Harney, Grace Hathaway, Avery Hathaway, Reid Gustafson, Sara Hathaway, Jill Bierbower, and Joel Bierbower.