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Funeral services will take place on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 12:30 PM (Mountain).

Milesville Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota

Milesville Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota



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In memory of

Betty Bierwagen

of Sioux Falls formerly of Milesville, South Dakota, died on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Edgewood Prairie Crossings Assisted Living Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 90

Betty Lee (Vaught) Bierwagen was born to Lee and Bessie (Watwood) Vaught on May 9, 1930 at her parents’ home in Milesville, South Dakota with two midwives, Grandma Watwood and Mrs. Breemes, assisting in her birth. She grew up on the farm in Milesville and attended nine years of local country school. Betty lived with her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Pete for high school in Lead where she graduated in May 1949.

Betty was united in marriage to Hubert Harlen Bierwagen on August 26, 1949 at First Lutheran Church in Milesville. She was a member there until September 2003 when the church closed, and at that time she joined Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Philip. Betty taught Sunday School for 18 years and had to keep changing classes to avoid from teaching her own children. Betty belonged to the Happy Hour Club and later to the Milesville Woman’s Club. She was also a member of the Ladies Aid at First Lutheran Church where she held all offices and a member of the Bad River Senior Citizens Center since 1983.

Betty believed in doing good for the elderly and enjoyed playing bingo and cards. In 1982 Betty lost her husband early in life. At that time Betty continued to live in the country until 1998 when she moved into Philip. In December 2009 she moved to Beverly Ann Living Center in Lisbon, North Dakota and later to Edgewood Prairie Crossing Assisted Living Facility in August 2017 where she died peacefully.

Survivors include two sons Eugene (Judy) Bierwagen of New Underwood and Kevin (Lori) Bierwagen of Sioux Falls; one daughter Lianne (Neal) Bjugstad of Lisbon, North Dakota; eight grandchildren: Pam, Cerrie, and Dallas Bierwagen; Ryan (Kari) Bjugstad; Heather (Jason) Giesen, Leslie (Ben) Schmidt, Elliot and Alyssa Bierwagen; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister Arlyce Naeve of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Hubert on October 22, 1982; her parents; one sister Beverly Jean Vaught; and a brother-in-law John “Jack” Naeve.

Betty wrote her own obituary and writes “It has been a long life alone. What would one do without their children, grandchildren, and friends?”

Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 16, at the Milesville Cemetery in Milesville. Due to COVID-19 please practice social distancing and wear a mask if planning to attend the service. After the service the family invites everybody to the Milesville Hall for a time of fellowship and light refreshments provided by the Milesville Woman's Club.

A memorial has been established to the Milesville Cemetery and Milesville Hall.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 1028 Lisbon, ND 58054.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Friday, October 16 - 12:30 p.m.
Milesville Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Ray Greenseth
Pastor Gregory Hinners

  • prayers for your family and friends. may memories and stories give you strength and comfort. ~ LeNora Giles Sioux Falls, SD (10/15/2020)
  • Eugene, Lianne, Kevin and families,
    I was so sad to hear of Betty's passing, but I rejoice in knowing that she is reunited with all those who have gone before her to Heaven. She was a wonderful example of what a woman of faith was meant to be. She loved her family, friends, and church family so much. I remember as a child the many talks that she and Mom would have. While my heart aches for your loss, I rejoice in knowing that she is free from the pain of this world and was welcomed with open arms by her Lord and Savior telling her, "Well done my good and faithful servant."     ~ Betsy (Ahart) Knodel Freeman, SD (10/15/2020)
  • Betty was always a good friend and neighbor. Sympathy to Eugene, Lianne, and Kevin and families. ~ Carla DeLeon Rapid City (10/15/2020)
  • Sympathy for Kevin and all family. ~ Kent and Marlys Harnisch Sioux Falls (10/15/2020)
  • I remember Betty's Grandma Watwood and Harry. Harry was my dad (Elmer Williams) best friend so was a good part of my life growing up. I remember her mother Bessie Vaught as being one of Haakon Counties best teachers. Betty and I communicated at Christmas for many years. I am sending my deepest sympathy to all of you. ~ Mae Gades Benson, Mn. (10/15/2020)
  • Betty was always a kind person! She encouraged me to join the Milesville Women's Club when I was a young woman because "that's what you do. You will like to get out with the ladies once in awhile." She has continued to be a staple in the club, over the years the ladies have always continued to think of her and remember her kindly. Our sympathy to her family-she's earned a rest. Bless you. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (10/13/2020)
  • Eugene, Lianne, Kevin and families, We are so sorry to hear of Betty's passing. She was such a great friend and neighbor to us. She will be missed and remembered by many. So sorry we can't be there for her funeral as we are in Texas visiting Lance at this time. Our sympathies to you all and treasure your memories. ~ Floren and Debbie Falzone Philip, SD (10/13/2020)