David P. Bierschbach

David P. “Dave” Bierschbach, age 50 of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 1, 2023 at the CentraCare Hospital in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

David Paul Bierschbach was born August 13, 1972. He resided in Long Prairie with his family until moving to Melrose in 1976 when he was just 4 years old. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1990 and continued his education at St. Cloud State College. Thereafter he worked in the flooring industry, laying many carpets and floors. For the past many years he has mainly been working in the Alexandria area. Recently he began employment at Ag Tech Drainage in Sauk Centre. He knew this fresh start was a good challenge and one he would really enjoy as he would get to work with a strong passion of his, namely computers.

Dave was an outgoing person who loved going on adventures, traveling, and meeting new people. His hobbies included playing games on the computer and for being a wiz at any technology issues. Summer fishing was on his mind a lot and even over to Mom's to clean fish in the evening and keep her company. Dave truly loved spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his special friend, Jessica Chavez; siblings, Jerry Bierschbach (Joyce) of Melrose, Allen Bierschbach (Linda) of Melrose, Mary Hollenkamp (David) of Burtrum, Jim Bierschbach of Albany, and Linda Morton (Mark) of Melrose; nephews and nieces, Michael Bierschbach, John Bierschbach, Jodi Marquez Bierschbach, Judy Bierschbach, Jason Bierschbach, Brian Hollenkamp, Vicki Hemmesch, Adam Bierschbach, Ashley Hondl, and Lydia Butkowski; and many loving relatives and friends. David also adored his fur baby companion, Buddy.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lorraine Bierschbach (Mom recently passed away 3/9/22); sister, Joan Bierschbach; and brother, Robert Bierschbach. Memorials are preferred.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.

Tom Kuehne Insurance

320-360-0343 tom@swanvilleinsurance.com

By Kristi Wacker

The Department of Defense celebrates military children annually in April. There are more than 1.6 million military children, according to the DoD. They often face many challenges and unique experiences because of their parents’ service. On average, military families move every two to three years, which impacts military children through changing schools and friends.

In addition to the month of April focus-

Card of Thanks

ing on military children, there is also a specific day to honor military children: Purple Up! Day which is April 15.

Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is a combination of Army green, Marine Red, and Coast Guard, Air Force, and Navy blue. The goal of “Purple Up!” is for military youth to actually see the support in their school, youth groups, and the community.

The family of Dave Blaeser would like to thank family and friends for your prayers, visits, food, cards, memorials and flowers during his long illness and death. Thank you to doctors and nurses at CentraCare in Melrose and St. Cloud, CentraCare Hospice and Home Health for their compassion and care for Dave.

Thank you to Father Ron for the celebration mass and caring words, Jeanne Bonfig for the beautiful music, Jim & Linda Gohman for assisting at mass and to those who prepared and served the lunch. Also thank you to Rob Zollar for the beautiful eulogy and to Amy Schwieters and Stacey Sykora for the readings. Patton Schad Funeral and Cremation were wonderful in assisting us with the funeral arrangements, during the service and with the burial. (Linda Holms, Kelly & Ralph) Thank you.

We are grateful to all of you for your support. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Ermina, Brian, Cole & Callie Blaeser

To Submit a Card of Thanks the cost is $5.00 for the first 50 words, 10¢ for each additional word. MUST BE PREPAID. Mail to: Hometown News, 29442 120th St., Grey Eagle, MN 56336.