Obituary: John Robert Bieberstein - Class of 1951

MADISON - John Robert Bieberstein died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at the age of 74. John was born in Madison. He graduated from Central High School in Madison and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. in 1956. He served 10 years in the Air Force as a T-33 and T-38 instructor pilot, check pilot, and standardization evaluation officer until 1965 when he became a pilot with Eastern Airlines. During his 25 years with Eastern, he flew the Convair 440, the Boeing 727, the L-1011, and his favorite, the DC-9, as Captain and check airman. He also served in the Alabama Air National Guard flying F-84's. Througout his life, John was a dedicated volunteer developing and coaching a neighborhood swim program and holding leadership positions in his community civic association. He and his wife, Mary, were also active in the school community serving as presidents for the PTA. John's devotion for working with young people was most evident through his work with the Camp Fire organization where he volunteered both locally and nationally for more than 30 years. John took great pride in his marriage to his wife Mary (Casterton) Bieberstein, celebrating 50 years together in Sept. 8, 2007. He is survived by his wife; their two daughters, Janet Hutchins of Lawrenceville, and Jaci Sharitz and her husband, T.J. Sharitz of Duluth; his sister, JoAnn Lange and her husband, Robert Lange of Madison; and his four grandchildren, Christopher Hutchins, Jennifer Hutchins, Rachel Sharitz and Daniel Sharitz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Adolf Joseph Bieberstein and Amine Ella (Tanner) Kalhagen of Madison; and his half brother, Hans Bieberstein, also of Madison. John was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Greensboro where he taught the Men's Sunday School class, was a member of the church choir and served on the Administrative Council. In addition, he and Mary enjoyed singing with the Reynolds Chorus of which they were charter members. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend. He was an inspiration to many throughout his life and will be greatly missed. The family received visitors at McCommons Funeral Home in Greensboro, Ga. Services celebrating John's life were held at The First United Methodist Church of Greensboro on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Greensboro, P.O. Box 216, Greensboro, GA 30642 for the South Campus choir room.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 19, 2008

Note: John Bieberstein's class year is based on information in the 1951 Tychoberahn where his photograph is among those of the graduating seniors.