Obituary of Otto M. Bierlein

Bierlein, Otto Matthew Jr., Gladwin, Michigan (formerly of Frankentrost, Michigan) Otto passed away on March 19, 2016, age 86. Otto was born November 9, 1929 in Saginaw Michigan to the late Otto and Emma (Herzog) Bierlein. He graduated from Saginaw High in 1947 and on December 9, 1950, married the love of his life, Linda Mueller. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant in the Korean War from 1951 – 1954, later becoming a life-time member of the American Legion Post #229. Upon his return from the service, Otto returned to the automotive repair industry where he was a master auto mechanic. Otto's hard work and dedication resulted in him being a self-made businessman. He purchased and operated Monarch Auto Service for over 30 years, retiring in 1987. After retiring, Otto and Linda relocated from Frankentrost, to their Wiggins Lake home in Gladwin, Michigan. It was at their Wiggins Lake home that years of memories with family and friends were created. Although Otto could not swim, he especially enjoyed playing cards overlooking the water, fishing, boating. Otto and Linda became snowbirds for almost 20 years, spending their winters on the warm beaches of Florida. Otto's favorite Florida pastimes were shelling and soaking up the rays with a cocktail in his hand. As Otto neared the end of his life, he recalled special memories of walking the Florida beaches and fishing with his son Scott. Known for facing life's challenges head on, his gradual loss of sight was no different, and he continued to maintain a sense of humor, kept working and stayed busy. While spending time up north, he usually had a grand-dogs beside him, who were faithful companions and kept him busy throwing toys and going for morning walks. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda; children, Susie Bierlein (Tom) Auenhammer, Sgt. Richard (Edith) Bierlein, and Scott (Laura) Bierlein. Otto, known by his loved ones, as "Papa", was blessed with six grandchildren who survive him, Jill and Tom Auernhammer, Samantha and Valerie Bierlein, and Tim and Ben Bierlein. Also surviving are his brother, Harry Bierlein; sister, Barb and Jim Adams; brothers and sisters in-law, John Haines, Bud Watrous, Jessie Mueller and Dorothy Bierlein; many nieces and nephews who enjoyed spending time with their Uncle Jun; his Wiggins Lake friends, especially Bob, who was Otto's eyes for many years as they worked on numerous projects together, and his walking and gardening partner Barb. He was predeceased by his sister Marian Watrous and his brother Bob Bierlein. A Funeral Service will take place Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 331 Clendening Road, Gladwin, MI. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service to celebrate Otto's life, and all are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Bright Focus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg MD 20871 or Our Saviour Lutheran Church. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com All sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home or the church.