William J. Bier, PE, 87, of St. Clair Township, died Wednesday, November 26, 2014.
He was born in Ironwood, Michigan to the late William and Ida Bier. He married Ruth Ann Pollari on June 10, 1948 in Ironwood.
Bill celebrated life. We choose not to be sad at his death but to be glad that he was here to share with us in so many ways. Bill graduated cum laude from Michigan Technological University in 1950 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and served his entire 50 year career with Dunn Construction Engineering, Inc. in Port Huron. Bill was a Past President of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. Immediately after graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Navy. While his family was most important, Bill also lived out the motto, “We Serve”. He was a longtime member, lector, Eucharistic Minister, member of the administration committee, and chairman of the building committee at St. Christopher Catholic Church. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America Blue Water District since 1950, including time spent as President from 1969-1973, and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service. He was a former Mayor of the City of Marysville; served on the Marysville Planning Commission and Charter Commission; was a longtime member and Past President of the Marysville Lion’s Club; was a member of the St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission and the Goodwill Board; and was a supporter of the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Detroit. Bill enjoyed cross country skiing and traveling, especially Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and with the Nomads Travel Club. He also had a passion for steam engines that stemmed from childhood, and for the rest of his life, he loved going to destinations across the country where he could ride steam engines.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruth Ann; five children, Robert Bier of Garberville, California, Joanne (Michael) Wesch of Marysville, James (Lea) Bier of St. Clair, Pati (Michael) Fritz of St. Helen, and Diane (Craig) Holmes of Brighton; seven grandchildren, Kristopher (Marie) Rowe of Indian Trails, North Carolina, Lisa (Brady) Tieman of Plainfield, Illinois, Matthew (Melissa) Bier of Stamford, Connecticut, Tim (Emily) Wesch of Chicago, Illinois, Kaylee (Sgt. Ed) Gerrow of Marysville, Marisa (Brandon) McNamee of Fort Gratiot, and Alex (Molly McCracken) Bier of Silver Springs, Maryland; six great grandchildren, Colin and Brian Tieman, Brendan Rowe, Logan Bier, and Eddie and Emily Gerrow; a sister, Betty Sodders; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Brian Wesch; two sisters, Crystal Saam and Dorothy Adams; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Hoogeveen.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday in the Marysville Funeral Home. A scripture service will be held at 3:30 p.m. and a Lion’s Club service will be held at 6 p.m.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 in St. Christopher Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 2:15 p.m. Father Arthur Baranowski will officiate with Reverend Barbara E. Welbaum assisting.
Inurnment will be in the Riverlawn Cemetery Columbarium, Marysville.
Memorials may be made to St. Christopher Catholic Church or the Boy Scouts of America Blue Water District Michigan Crossroads Council.
