Ernest Bier

Ernest Elmer Bier was born June 10, 1914 to William and Carolina (Kraft) Bier in Brewster , Minnesota . He came with his parents to a farm south of Hancock at the age of one year old and has lived in the area all his life.

Ernest graduated from Hancock High School in 1932 and attended the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris for two years. After his schooling, he was employed at the Hancock State Bank, the Alberta Auto Company in Alberta and Lees Implement Company in Morris.

In 1940, he bought a farm south of Hancock. He was united in marriage to Lillian Petersen on March 26, 1941 and they continued to farm until 1964, when they moved to Hancock. While living in Hancock, Ernest was employed by Mikkelson Implement Company, Hancock State Bank and the Stevens County Implement, until his retirement in February of 1982. Following his retirement, he spent time woodworking, which he enjoyed very much. Lillian died in June of 1999. Ernest moved to Walnut Court Apartments in 2002, before moving to Skyview Plaza in Morris, where he continued to live until the time of his death. Ernest loved spending time with his family and friends.

Ernest passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris , MN , having lived to reach the age of 96 years.

He is survived by five children: Lowell (Jean) Bier of Steilacoom , WA , Bonita (Darrell) Smith of Morris, Leland (Marlene) Bier of Ramsey, Leana (William) Telkamp of Morris and Marla (Dale) Hommerding of Blaine; 19 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife: Lillian; his parents; one brother and one sister.

Pallbearers for the service are: Scott Bier, Daniel Hommerding, Al Hagel, Steve Telkamp, Matthew Mumm and Brad Foss. Lois Strei will serve as organist for the service with Kaylene Mecklenburg serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.