November 2023
Leon Charles Bierlein, age 82, of Elgin, IL, passed away on October 27, 2023. He was born July 21, 1941 in Saginaw, Michigan to his loving parents, Carl and Lorna (née Weber) Bierlein.
Leon grew up on a farm outside of Frankenmuth, Michigan, and graduated from Frankenmuth High School. He enjoyed playing football and baseball, both in high school and college. Leon attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1964, and later earning a Master’s degree in 1978. He worked first as a teacher and later as the principal of St. Paul Lutheran School in Melrose Park, Illinois from 1964 to 1988. He then worked as the principal of Good Shepherd Lutheran School from 1988 until he retired in 2006.
Leon met Leila Buddenbaum at college, and they were happily married for 59 years, together raising two wonderful sons.
Leon was a Child of God, a caring leader who loved his Lord. He was a hard worker, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a very good friend, and was known for his celebration signs to acknowledge friends’ significant dates and accomplishments.
Leon enjoyed watching sports and playing cards; and he loved traveling the country to visit friends. He especially enjoyed his trip to Hong Kong, and the cruise he took from Budapest to Nuremberg.
Leon was preceded in death by his son, Joel Paul; and his parents, Carl and Lorna Bierlein. He is survived by his wife, Leila Bierlein; sons, Jim (Beth) Bierlein of Geneva, Illinois, and Jeffrey Bierlein of Westminster, Colorado; sister, Anne (Eugene) Schiefer; grandchildren, Aliya and Jonathan Bierlein; and nieces and nephews, Scott (Shari) Schiefer of Essexville, MI, Rachel (Chet) Coskie of Seattle, WA, and Matthew, Sally and Christopher Rutz.
Visitation will be 11:00am until funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Good Shepherd Church, 195 Nesler Road, Elgin, Illinois 60124. Rev. Steve Maske will be officiating.
Interment will be private.