Obituaries

Michael Lawrence Bierle

Photo of Michael Lawrence Bierle
MICHAEL LAWRENCE BIERLE MD, moved into the eternal presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 18, 2017. With The Lord's strength, Michael fought a long, courageous battle with cancer, and is now perfectly healed in Heaven! He was born on March 12, 1959, in Yankton, S.D., the fourth of seven children to Donald and Patricia Bierle. Michael suffered health challenges as a child that required hospitalizations away from his family and friends. God used the suffering and pain in Michael's life for good to serve others so they may be comforted. Many whom Michael touched had no idea that Dr. Bierle had endured so much as a patient himself, but all would say how kind, compassionate and sincere he was in their times of need. He was humble and knew the Lord is in control of all. Michael's early childhood challenges did not keep him from living life to the fullest. He was an excellent student while participating in marching band, chorus, school plays, basketball, golf, and baseball. Michael was inspired by the doctors and nurses who cared for him, and chose to minister to others through his own medical career. He completed his undergraduate degree in chemistry and German at the University of South Dakota, pledging his father's fraternity, Delta Tau Delta. He graduated from USD Medical School in 1985 and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Nevada Affiliates Hospital in Reno, Nevada. He continued his training in nephrology at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. He was board certified in both nephrology and internal medicine and practiced over 30 years. He joined Nephrology Associates in Little Rock in 1992. One of his many professional activities included serving as the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the Arkansas Kidney Foundation. Michael was married to his soul mate of more than 30 years, Anita (Wendt). Together, they raised two beautiful children, Collin and Lindsey. More than any professional accomplishment, Michael was proudest of his children! He frequently praised Collin's perseverance and strength in becoming a United States Marine and his passion for our country. Michael also shared a deep bond with his daughter as he encouraged her during her medical training to become the next Dr. Bierle. Michael shared his passion for sports with his children, and made beautiful memories to cherish by taking them to special events like the Talladega 500 and a Lakers-Grizzlies game. He loved the outdoors and taking his family snow skiing and mountain climbing in Colorado. He also enjoyed hunting and watching his Labrador dogs retrieve. Michael introduced friends and family to the joys of South Dakota pheasant hunting every autumn, and he delighted in the fellowship that it brought. He wanted his friends and family to have the best experience, and many times would not take the opportunity to shoot. He was like that . . . Michael put others before himself. Michael participated in Bible Study Fellowship for many years, and he was passionate about sharing God's Word with others. He and Anita would often discuss what God was teaching them, often reading devotionals and Bible passages to each other while traveling. It gave Michael such great peace and joy that both of his children and daughter-n-law are believers of Jesus Christ and that someday his wife and children will all be reunited in Heaven with him. Michael and Anita attended St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Little Rock, finding great comfort in God's Word. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Brad Baltz, who lovingly cared for Michael and his family. We are forever grateful and thankful to Dr. Baltz and his compassionate staff. We would also extend our gratefulness to a special Hospice nurse, Geraldine Clarke, who cared for Michael like he was her own in his final hours on earth. We feel so blessed! Michael was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his parents, five uncles and aunts. He is survived by his beloved wife Anita, his son Collin (Cristena) of Maumelle and daughter Lindsey of Corinth, Miss., as well as one brother, five sisters, and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his friends, colleagues, patients and their families. Our hearts are broken, but we know we will see Michael again! He is no longer in pain and is in the presence of Jesus Christ, his personal Savior. The visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W Markham St., Little Rock. A celebration of Michael's life will be Monday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews Anglican Church, 8300 Kanis Road, Little Rock, and interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Donations may be made to Bible Study Fellowship, 10001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, Texas, USA 78258-4019 or www.bsfinternational.org. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21

Published May 21, 2017

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