Dick Bierlich

Richard F. Bierlich, a long-time Tomahawk resident, passed away at his home in Sherwood, WI on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born on April 16, 1932 to Frank and Jean Bierlich. He graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1950 and enlisted in the Army. Dick served in Korea, Germany and Japan with the 187th airborne regimental combat team. He married Elizabeth Crapeau on December 30, 1952. Beth preceded him in death on December 30, 1993 and he later married Cindy (Hilgendorf) Maley. Dick served as mayor of Tomahawk for 4 terms and was very active in the Republican Party serving on the Governor's council on Forestry for many years. He also was chairman of the civil service commission for Lincoln County for 16 years. Dick worked in the Woodlands Division of Packaging Corporation of America for 42 years through successive ownerships. He worked in various locations throughout his career and retired in 2000 after an assignment as Woodlands manager of the Romanian operations. Dick was a member of the American Legion Bronsted-Searl Post #93 of Tomahawk. He is survived by his wife Cindy, his son, Rick (Trish) Bierlich; his very special "adopted" son, Jim (Charlotte) Crapeau; step-daughters: Sarah (Ed) Walder, Pepe' (Ryan) Freude; grandchildren: Brad Bierlich, Lilli, Brooke, Charlie and Joey Walder and Grady and Siri Freude; his sisters: Delores Swenson and Marlene Anderson. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Beth, and a brother, Robert Bierlich. A Memorial Service with Military Rites for Dick will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. Rev. Mark Ziemer will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.