Gladys K. Bierlein, of Reese, died Thursday evening, April 30, 2009, at St. Mary's of Michigan in Saginaw. She was born November 8, 1924 in Saginaw, daughter of the late John L. and Matilda (Schmidt) Hecht and attended the St. Michael's School in Richville. On March 2, 1946 she was married to Walter O. "Junior" Bierlein in Richville. He predeceased her June 8, 2000. Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Mrs. Bierlein was known for teaching piano. She was a life member of the St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville and enjoyed gardening, music and playing cards. Surviving are her four children and their spouses, Donald and Jessica Bierlein of Vassar; Paul and Darlene Bierlein of Munger; Scott and Judy Bierlein of Okemos and Dr. Judy Koltun and her husband Nick of Yorktown, Virginia; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and her sister Hilda Bierlein of Reese. In addition to her parents and husband, Gladys was predeceased by her brother, Wilmer Hecht, her sister, Esther Stange and her daughter-in-law, Sharon Bierlein.

SERVICES
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2009 from the St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Richville. Rev. Rob Gadeken and Rev. Wesley Gillaspie will both officiate with burial to follow in the St. Michael's Cemetery.

VISITATION
Mrs. Bierlein's family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 9940 Saginaw St. in Reese on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

MEMORIALS
Those planning an expression are asked to consider the St. Michael's Lutheran Church or the donor's favorite charity.

CONDOLENCES
If you are unable to visit with family in person you may send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com