Dennis Bierschbach was considered a role model for other successful business people to follow. While so many successful people relax or travel in retirement, many times leaving Mobridge, Dennis did just the opposite and became even more active in helping his community and the region after he sold his successful business.
"We could use more people like Dennis Bierschbach," a longtime friend said. "He remembered to 'give back.'"
When Dennis tackled an issue, he was organized, persistent and extremely effective. Just two examples of important developments that wouldn't have happened without his leadership, dedication and hard work were the Walworth County Regional Landfill and the E911 system. He also played a key role in money raising efforts for the Mobridge Regional Hospital Foundation.
While he served in many leadership positions, a number of his good deeds were behind the scenes and very few people knew about them. He didn't seek recognition for his works, gaining only the satisfaction of helping others and his community.
Dennis had been in failing health for some time and not long ago entered the Golden LivingCenter in Mobridge. He died at the center on Monday, Dec 24, 2007, at the age of 85.
He was born to William and Leanore Bierschbach on June 9, 1922, near Webster. He graduated from the eighth grade at St. Otto's Catholic School in 1935, attended high school in Lemmon for three years and graduated from Webster High School in 1939. He was an active 4-H member, winning two national trips and as a result was awarded a Sears Scholarship at South Dakota State College.
He was active on various judging teams in dairy and animal husbandry, and was also in advanced ROTC. With the war, the advanced ROTC members had to attend summer school rather than ROTC camp. They graduated in March 1943 and went directly to Infantry Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga.
He graduated on July 30 as a 2nd Lt. Infantry, then spent two months at advanced officer training in Camp Wheeler, Ga., before being assigned to the 103rd Division as a Mortar Platoon leader in Camp Claiborne, La. Following maneuvers in June 1944, he was assigned to the officer replacement pool and shipped to England.
In April 1944 he was assigned as a replacement officer for the 29th Infantry Division and landed in France June 11, during the Normandy battle. He commanded a Mortar Platoon and was wounded on June 22 and flown to a military hospital in England. After 80 days in the hospital and still receiving treatment, he was assigned as a Company Commander of a rehab company. The rehab company was responsible for training troops after hospitalization before returning to combat in France. In January 1945 he was returned to the U.S. for surgery on his knee, but the surgeon recommended rehabilitation instead of surgery.
On March 9, 1945, while on sick leave, Dennis married Betty Marie Nelson of Hetland, who had also attended SDSU. Following his leave, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was assigned to Camp Chaffee, Ark., as Post Information and Education Officer. He received his honorable discharge in December 1945 and he and Betty moved to Lemmon.
In Lemmon, he was engaged in a Creamery and Produce business with his uncle, Nick Bierschbach. In January 1951 he purchased a wholesale beer distributorship in Lemmon. He moved his business, Northwest Distributing Company, and family to Mobridge in October 1952.
Strong in his faith, he was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and represented South Dakota at the National KC convention in 1977. He served as a board member on the Benedictine Sisters Foundation of Watertown for six years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary and Mobridge Chamber of Commerce and served as president of each organization. He was a director of the Industrial Development Association, the American Legion and the Moose Lodge.
He was also a member of the S.D. Beer Wholesaler Association and served as president on two occasions. As an Anheuser Busch distributor, he represented South Dakota on the Budweiser Local Action committee for 10 years. In December 1990, after completing 40 years as a beer wholesaler, he sold his business and retired.
But Dennis found plenty to do in retirement. He served as a Walworth County Commissioner from 1983 through 2000, with one year as State President. He also represented South Dakota at five national conventions, two Western States Conferences, and one year on the National County Commissioners Board of Directors. He also served as a director on the Mobridge Hospital Foundation Board.
Dennis is survived by two sons, Dennis James (Grace) Bierschbach of Lake Elma, Minn., and Dr. Mark Alan (Janice) Bierschbach of Milbank; one daughter-in-law, Janet Bierschbach of Bismarck, N.D.; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Claire (Mary) of Webster and Maurice (Pat) of Webster; one sister-in-law, Harriet Spaniol of Webster; and several nieces and nephews.
His son Rich in 1992, his wife Betty in 1995, brother Jerald and his parents preceded Dennis in death.
Mass of Christian Burial for Denis was celebrated Monday, Dec. 31, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge with Fr. John Short as celebrant.
Casketbearers were his grandchildren, Michele Kohl, Cressy Aberle, Mark Andrew Bierschbach, Angie Knodel, Matt Bierschbach, Bobbi Loomis, Jeff Bierschbach, Sara Adelman and Lori Bierschbach.
Honorary bearers were Larry Atkinson, John Badgley, Ivan Bormann, Art Borth, Sharon Dady, Dick Leonard, Don Paulson and Rosemary Olson.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Memorials may be directed towards the American Cancer Society, Mobridge Area Health Foundation or St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Mobridge Tribune January 2, 2008
"We could use more people like Dennis Bierschbach," a longtime friend said. "He remembered to 'give back.'"
When Dennis tackled an issue, he was organized, persistent and extremely effective. Just two examples of important developments that wouldn't have happened without his leadership, dedication and hard work were the Walworth County Regional Landfill and the E911 system. He also played a key role in money raising efforts for the Mobridge Regional Hospital Foundation.
While he served in many leadership positions, a number of his good deeds were behind the scenes and very few people knew about them. He didn't seek recognition for his works, gaining only the satisfaction of helping others and his community.
Dennis had been in failing health for some time and not long ago entered the Golden LivingCenter in Mobridge. He died at the center on Monday, Dec 24, 2007, at the age of 85.
He was born to William and Leanore Bierschbach on June 9, 1922, near Webster. He graduated from the eighth grade at St. Otto's Catholic School in 1935, attended high school in Lemmon for three years and graduated from Webster High School in 1939. He was an active 4-H member, winning two national trips and as a result was awarded a Sears Scholarship at South Dakota State College.
He was active on various judging teams in dairy and animal husbandry, and was also in advanced ROTC. With the war, the advanced ROTC members had to attend summer school rather than ROTC camp. They graduated in March 1943 and went directly to Infantry Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga.
He graduated on July 30 as a 2nd Lt. Infantry, then spent two months at advanced officer training in Camp Wheeler, Ga., before being assigned to the 103rd Division as a Mortar Platoon leader in Camp Claiborne, La. Following maneuvers in June 1944, he was assigned to the officer replacement pool and shipped to England.
In April 1944 he was assigned as a replacement officer for the 29th Infantry Division and landed in France June 11, during the Normandy battle. He commanded a Mortar Platoon and was wounded on June 22 and flown to a military hospital in England. After 80 days in the hospital and still receiving treatment, he was assigned as a Company Commander of a rehab company. The rehab company was responsible for training troops after hospitalization before returning to combat in France. In January 1945 he was returned to the U.S. for surgery on his knee, but the surgeon recommended rehabilitation instead of surgery.
On March 9, 1945, while on sick leave, Dennis married Betty Marie Nelson of Hetland, who had also attended SDSU. Following his leave, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was assigned to Camp Chaffee, Ark., as Post Information and Education Officer. He received his honorable discharge in December 1945 and he and Betty moved to Lemmon.
In Lemmon, he was engaged in a Creamery and Produce business with his uncle, Nick Bierschbach. In January 1951 he purchased a wholesale beer distributorship in Lemmon. He moved his business, Northwest Distributing Company, and family to Mobridge in October 1952.
Strong in his faith, he was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and represented South Dakota at the National KC convention in 1977. He served as a board member on the Benedictine Sisters Foundation of Watertown for six years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary and Mobridge Chamber of Commerce and served as president of each organization. He was a director of the Industrial Development Association, the American Legion and the Moose Lodge.
He was also a member of the S.D. Beer Wholesaler Association and served as president on two occasions. As an Anheuser Busch distributor, he represented South Dakota on the Budweiser Local Action committee for 10 years. In December 1990, after completing 40 years as a beer wholesaler, he sold his business and retired.
But Dennis found plenty to do in retirement. He served as a Walworth County Commissioner from 1983 through 2000, with one year as State President. He also represented South Dakota at five national conventions, two Western States Conferences, and one year on the National County Commissioners Board of Directors. He also served as a director on the Mobridge Hospital Foundation Board.
Dennis is survived by two sons, Dennis James (Grace) Bierschbach of Lake Elma, Minn., and Dr. Mark Alan (Janice) Bierschbach of Milbank; one daughter-in-law, Janet Bierschbach of Bismarck, N.D.; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Claire (Mary) of Webster and Maurice (Pat) of Webster; one sister-in-law, Harriet Spaniol of Webster; and several nieces and nephews.
His son Rich in 1992, his wife Betty in 1995, brother Jerald and his parents preceded Dennis in death.
Mass of Christian Burial for Denis was celebrated Monday, Dec. 31, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge with Fr. John Short as celebrant.
Casketbearers were his grandchildren, Michele Kohl, Cressy Aberle, Mark Andrew Bierschbach, Angie Knodel, Matt Bierschbach, Bobbi Loomis, Jeff Bierschbach, Sara Adelman and Lori Bierschbach.
Honorary bearers were Larry Atkinson, John Badgley, Ivan Bormann, Art Borth, Sharon Dady, Dick Leonard, Don Paulson and Rosemary Olson.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Memorials may be directed towards the American Cancer Society, Mobridge Area Health Foundation or St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Mobridge Tribune January 2, 2008
Dennis Bierschbach was considered a role model for other successful business people to follow. While so many successful people relax or travel in retirement, many times leaving Mobridge, Dennis did just the opposite and became even more active in helping his community and the region after he sold his successful business.
"We could use more people like Dennis Bierschbach," a longtime friend said. "He remembered to 'give back.'"
When Dennis tackled an issue, he was organized, persistent and extremely effective. Just two examples of important developments that wouldn't have happened without his leadership, dedication and hard work were the Walworth County Regional Landfill and the E911 system. He also played a key role in money raising efforts for the Mobridge Regional Hospital Foundation.
While he served in many leadership positions, a number of his good deeds were behind the scenes and very few people knew about them. He didn't seek recognition for his works, gaining only the satisfaction of helping others and his community.
Dennis had been in failing health for some time and not long ago entered the Golden LivingCenter in Mobridge. He died at the center on Monday, Dec 24, 2007, at the age of 85.
He was born to William and Leanore Bierschbach on June 9, 1922, near Webster. He graduated from the eighth grade at St. Otto's Catholic School in 1935, attended high school in Lemmon for three years and graduated from Webster High School in 1939. He was an active 4-H member, winning two national trips and as a result was awarded a Sears Scholarship at South Dakota State College.
He was active on various judging teams in dairy and animal husbandry, and was also in advanced ROTC. With the war, the advanced ROTC members had to attend summer school rather than ROTC camp. They graduated in March 1943 and went directly to Infantry Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga.
He graduated on July 30 as a 2nd Lt. Infantry, then spent two months at advanced officer training in Camp Wheeler, Ga., before being assigned to the 103rd Division as a Mortar Platoon leader in Camp Claiborne, La. Following maneuvers in June 1944, he was assigned to the officer replacement pool and shipped to England.
In April 1944 he was assigned as a replacement officer for the 29th Infantry Division and landed in France June 11, during the Normandy battle. He commanded a Mortar Platoon and was wounded on June 22 and flown to a military hospital in England. After 80 days in the hospital and still receiving treatment, he was assigned as a Company Commander of a rehab company. The rehab company was responsible for training troops after hospitalization before returning to combat in France. In January 1945 he was returned to the U.S. for surgery on his knee, but the surgeon recommended rehabilitation instead of surgery.
On March 9, 1945, while on sick leave, Dennis married Betty Marie Nelson of Hetland, who had also attended SDSU. Following his leave, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was assigned to Camp Chaffee, Ark., as Post Information and Education Officer. He received his honorable discharge in December 1945 and he and Betty moved to Lemmon.
In Lemmon, he was engaged in a Creamery and Produce business with his uncle, Nick Bierschbach. In January 1951 he purchased a wholesale beer distributorship in Lemmon. He moved his business, Northwest Distributing Company, and family to Mobridge in October 1952.
Strong in his faith, he was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and represented South Dakota at the National KC convention in 1977. He served as a board member on the Benedictine Sisters Foundation of Watertown for six years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary and Mobridge Chamber of Commerce and served as president of each organization. He was a director of the Industrial Development Association, the American Legion and the Moose Lodge.
He was also a member of the S.D. Beer Wholesaler Association and served as president on two occasions. As an Anheuser Busch distributor, he represented South Dakota on the Budweiser Local Action committee for 10 years. In December 1990, after completing 40 years as a beer wholesaler, he sold his business and retired.
But Dennis found plenty to do in retirement. He served as a Walworth County Commissioner from 1983 through 2000, with one year as State President. He also represented South Dakota at five national conventions, two Western States Conferences, and one year on the National County Commissioners Board of Directors. He also served as a director on the Mobridge Hospital Foundation Board.
Dennis is survived by two sons, Dennis James (Grace) Bierschbach of Lake Elma, Minn., and Dr. Mark Alan (Janice) Bierschbach of Milbank; one daughter-in-law, Janet Bierschbach of Bismarck, N.D.; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Claire (Mary) of Webster and Maurice (Pat) of Webster; one sister-in-law, Harriet Spaniol of Webster; and several nieces and nephews.
His son Rich in 1992, his wife Betty in 1995, brother Jerald and his parents preceded Dennis in death.
Mass of Christian Burial for Denis was celebrated Monday, Dec. 31, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge with Fr. John Short as celebrant.
Casketbearers were his grandchildren, Michele Kohl, Cressy Aberle, Mark Andrew Bierschbach, Angie Knodel, Matt Bierschbach, Bobbi Loomis, Jeff Bierschbach, Sara Adelman and Lori Bierschbach.
Honorary bearers were Larry Atkinson, John Badgley, Ivan Bormann, Art Borth, Sharon Dady, Dick Leonard, Don Paulson and Rosemary Olson.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Memorials may be directed towards the American Cancer Society, Mobridge Area Health Foundation or St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Mobridge Tribune January 2, 2008
"We could use more people like Dennis Bierschbach," a longtime friend said. "He remembered to 'give back.'"
When Dennis tackled an issue, he was organized, persistent and extremely effective. Just two examples of important developments that wouldn't have happened without his leadership, dedication and hard work were the Walworth County Regional Landfill and the E911 system. He also played a key role in money raising efforts for the Mobridge Regional Hospital Foundation.
While he served in many leadership positions, a number of his good deeds were behind the scenes and very few people knew about them. He didn't seek recognition for his works, gaining only the satisfaction of helping others and his community.
Dennis had been in failing health for some time and not long ago entered the Golden LivingCenter in Mobridge. He died at the center on Monday, Dec 24, 2007, at the age of 85.
He was born to William and Leanore Bierschbach on June 9, 1922, near Webster. He graduated from the eighth grade at St. Otto's Catholic School in 1935, attended high school in Lemmon for three years and graduated from Webster High School in 1939. He was an active 4-H member, winning two national trips and as a result was awarded a Sears Scholarship at South Dakota State College.
He was active on various judging teams in dairy and animal husbandry, and was also in advanced ROTC. With the war, the advanced ROTC members had to attend summer school rather than ROTC camp. They graduated in March 1943 and went directly to Infantry Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, Ga.
He graduated on July 30 as a 2nd Lt. Infantry, then spent two months at advanced officer training in Camp Wheeler, Ga., before being assigned to the 103rd Division as a Mortar Platoon leader in Camp Claiborne, La. Following maneuvers in June 1944, he was assigned to the officer replacement pool and shipped to England.
In April 1944 he was assigned as a replacement officer for the 29th Infantry Division and landed in France June 11, during the Normandy battle. He commanded a Mortar Platoon and was wounded on June 22 and flown to a military hospital in England. After 80 days in the hospital and still receiving treatment, he was assigned as a Company Commander of a rehab company. The rehab company was responsible for training troops after hospitalization before returning to combat in France. In January 1945 he was returned to the U.S. for surgery on his knee, but the surgeon recommended rehabilitation instead of surgery.
On March 9, 1945, while on sick leave, Dennis married Betty Marie Nelson of Hetland, who had also attended SDSU. Following his leave, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was assigned to Camp Chaffee, Ark., as Post Information and Education Officer. He received his honorable discharge in December 1945 and he and Betty moved to Lemmon.
In Lemmon, he was engaged in a Creamery and Produce business with his uncle, Nick Bierschbach. In January 1951 he purchased a wholesale beer distributorship in Lemmon. He moved his business, Northwest Distributing Company, and family to Mobridge in October 1952.
Strong in his faith, he was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and represented South Dakota at the National KC convention in 1977. He served as a board member on the Benedictine Sisters Foundation of Watertown for six years. He was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary and Mobridge Chamber of Commerce and served as president of each organization. He was a director of the Industrial Development Association, the American Legion and the Moose Lodge.
He was also a member of the S.D. Beer Wholesaler Association and served as president on two occasions. As an Anheuser Busch distributor, he represented South Dakota on the Budweiser Local Action committee for 10 years. In December 1990, after completing 40 years as a beer wholesaler, he sold his business and retired.
But Dennis found plenty to do in retirement. He served as a Walworth County Commissioner from 1983 through 2000, with one year as State President. He also represented South Dakota at five national conventions, two Western States Conferences, and one year on the National County Commissioners Board of Directors. He also served as a director on the Mobridge Hospital Foundation Board.
Dennis is survived by two sons, Dennis James (Grace) Bierschbach of Lake Elma, Minn., and Dr. Mark Alan (Janice) Bierschbach of Milbank; one daughter-in-law, Janet Bierschbach of Bismarck, N.D.; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Claire (Mary) of Webster and Maurice (Pat) of Webster; one sister-in-law, Harriet Spaniol of Webster; and several nieces and nephews.
His son Rich in 1992, his wife Betty in 1995, brother Jerald and his parents preceded Dennis in death.
Mass of Christian Burial for Denis was celebrated Monday, Dec. 31, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mobridge with Fr. John Short as celebrant.
Casketbearers were his grandchildren, Michele Kohl, Cressy Aberle, Mark Andrew Bierschbach, Angie Knodel, Matt Bierschbach, Bobbi Loomis, Jeff Bierschbach, Sara Adelman and Lori Bierschbach.
Honorary bearers were Larry Atkinson, John Badgley, Ivan Bormann, Art Borth, Sharon Dady, Dick Leonard, Don Paulson and Rosemary Olson.
Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.
Memorials may be directed towards the American Cancer Society, Mobridge Area Health Foundation or St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Mobridge Tribune January 2, 2008
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