Dorothy A. Bierbaum Fisher

After a long fight with cancer, Dorothy A. Bierbaum Fisher, 82, of Higginsville, Missouri died on Monday, September 16, 2013, at the Lutheran Nursing Home in Concordia, Missouri. Born Friday, February 13, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Reverend Jonathan C. Bierbaum and the late Marie (Hoflander) Bierbaum. She grew up in California, MO where her father was minister of the then California Evangelical and Reformed Church, now the United Church of Christ. The family moved to Fort Madison, Iowa where she attended and graduated from high school. She attended MacMurray College for Women in Jacksonville, Illinois and graduated from Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO and attained her Masters Degree in education. Because of her profound respect for her senior English teacher and her love of literature and the arts, she became an English, Speech, and Drama teacher. She began her career in Higginsville and Booneville. She taught a total of 31 years, 27 of which was at William Chrisman High School in Independence, MO. She also directed Children's Theater for the Young Matrons of Independence. Among all the plays she directed for high school, two always stood out; "Our Town" at Booneville High School with a talented large group of seniors and "Inherit the Wind" at William Chrisman. She loved the students and the content/beauty of the plays. On April 10, 1966 she married George E. "Gene" Fisher of Higginsville. Their daughter, Caroline, was born February 7, 1968. During this period she retired from teaching to be at home with her daughter. After nine years, she returned to William Chrisman to teach for another 16 years as she loved teaching and loved her students and fellow teacher friends. Dorothy was an active participant in her church, Salem UCC and offered her talents in many capacities. She directed the church choir for 19 years, assisted the pastor in teaching confirmation classes for over 15 years, and was soloist for a number of services, weddings and funerals. She was elected a member of the Church Council, serving as president for two years. She was the founding member of the Advent Chorale, now an annual event for the area UCC churches for more than 25 years. Dorothy was responsible for initiating her church's participation in the Farm Resources Bank, an agricultural venture helping countries in Africa. For many years she was worship service liturgist in the month of December, mainly due to her love of those particular scriptures. When she chose to no longer sing, she chose to read. Her committment to serve her Lord was evident throughout her life, as well as the propelling need to always, always do the best she could. Surviving are daughter, Caroline (Kevin) Hursman of Higginsville, MO; 3 granddaughters, Maria LaRue, Erin Hursman and Melanie (Josh) Eichoff. A funeral service will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 20, 2013 at Salem United Church of Christ located at 1500 N. Main St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037 with the Rev. Dr. Isaiah Muita officiating and Rev. Dr. Tommy Farris assisting. Interment will be in Salem United Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Pallbearers are Mark Nolte, Lance Tieman, Caleb Kirchhoff, Kevin Berry ,Gene Starke and Stanton Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Gene Gilpin, Rick Hicks, Patrick Layden, Harold Hoflander, Howard Dick and Howard Fisher. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, September 20, 2013, at the church. The family suggests memorial contributions to Salem Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hoeferfuneralhome.com

Dorothy A. Bierbaum Fisher

February 13, 1931 - September 16, 2013