Janice D. Bierle, age 86, of Midland, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip.
Memorial Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2024 at Open Bible Church in Midland with Pastor Randy Brock officiating.
Interment will follow at the Midland Cemetery.
Janice D. (Madsen) Bierle was born on June 12, 1937, to Harvey and Pearl (Illian) Madsen. Although being an only child, she was raised with several cousins from the Illian and Haddock families as they were all in the Midland area and very close in age. She attended Midland School and graduated in 1955. She attended Huron College and obtained a teaching degree from there.
She was united in marriage to James Bierle on June 8, 1958. After they were married, they lived in Rapid City where Jani taught grade school for two years while Jim finished college. To this union two children were born: Kim and Kory. They moved back to Midland so Jim could teach and they both could help on the ranch and raise their family.
She worked tirelessly in helping her mom and dad keep the homestead yard in presentable condition and processing the usual bountiful production of Harvey’s garden. Jani took very seriously the role of hosting the various clubs, circles, and groups that she was part of and a friendly competition existed among her and her mother, mother-in-law Margurite, aunts Elsie Haddock and Marie Illian as to who could put on the most tasty, well presented meal.
Having been afflicted with polio as a young child and as the result of getting overheated one hot summer day when young, Jani spent most of her outside time later in life in the evenings and in the fall, winter, and spring. Part of this was being active in the cutting and delivering numerous cords of firewood. This also helped the family to take several vacations that she thoroughly enjoyed. Even later in life she and Jim would take bus tours around the country that were most enjoyable.
She also had a great interest in local history and families. She cultivated this by being involved with the Midland Pioneer Museum as hostess for many years. She loved listening to the stories that were connected to the various items brought in by the families of the area and cataloging them into the inventory of the museum.
Her final years were spent in the Philip Nursing Home as dementia started to take its toll. Jani loved to sit and listen to music, usually with an upbeat tempo and would tap her toe in time and often dance with anyone who would join her. The family is so grateful for the tender loving care she received there.
Jani is survived by her two children Kim of Pierre and Midland and Kory with his wife Robin of Midland, and their three children, Kruse and his wife Andrea of Midland, Sage and her Fiancé Herbie O’Daniel of Midland, and Bailey of Hermosa. She was proceeded in death by her husband James, her parents Harvey and Pearl Madsen, and her Illian cousins James, Donnie, and Anita.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
