Richard (Dick) Arden Bierman passed away on September 27, 2019 in Sister Bay, WI. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 5, 1933 to Richard H. Bierman, Architect, and Florence Sontag Bierman. Dick was a 1951 graduate of Custer High and attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Geology. Dick was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and he also enjoyed writing for the Octopus Magazine. Dick served in the Army Reserves at the rank of Captain after graduating from college. On August 13, 1955 Dick was married to Claire Goodrich in Monroe, WI and they celebrated 64 years of marriage in 2019.
Dick had many interesting life experiences, first as a Credit Manager for Proctor and Gamble, Century Hardware and then as President of Milwaukee Tab and Milwaukee Business Interiors. In 1978, Dick and Claire moved from Mequon to their home in Ephraim.
Dick developed “The Gathering” shops and Paulson’s Restaurant in Ephraim and created a very successful furniture and gift business. He was a member of the Ephraim Moravian Church and also served on the Board of Trustees. He was a member of numerous organizations including the Ephraim Men’s Club, the Ephraim Yacht Club, and the Ephraim Historical Foundation for over 40 years.
Heading for warmer weather Claire and Dick moved to their house in Scottsdale AZ. Not wanting to retire yet, Dick worked for several furniture companies in Scottsdale and always received the highest rewards for his production. He loved the furniture business and met so many interesting people throughout the years both in Wisconsin and Arizona. Dick and Claire lived in their home on Taliesin Mountain for 11 years until they returned to their true home in Ephraim to be close to family.
Dick is survived by his wife, Claire; his sister, Elaine Sandilands (William); son Richard Barrett Bierman (Karen) and their two children, Megan and Richard Christopher (Chris); his daughters’ children Andrew and Daniel Laishes. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Ellyn Bierman and his parents.
A memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life will be at the Ephraim Moravian Church on Thursday, October 24th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Dick's memory to the Ephraim Moravian Church and the Ephraim Yacht Club Aaron R. Moore Scholarship.
A special thank you to the wonderful people and care at Scandia Village.
