Robert August Bierd

MADISON – Robert (Bob) August Bierd, was born January 12, 1943 to Victor and Margaret (Sachs) Bierd, the 5th of six children. He passed away February 2, 2015 after a long illness. Bob’s grew up in Glen Oak Hills on Madison’s Near West side, a neighborhood he continued to love and speak of throughout his life. Bob had an innate ability to succeed at nearly everything he applied himself to. While playing trumpet in middle school, he stayed after class and taught himself how to play the drums. He went on as a teenager to from his own band. By his early twenties he played in two bands that that are listed in the Wisconsin Bands of the 50”s and 60’s publication. His own, “The Fabulous Zakons” and “The Millionaires” who were the favorite of the 1960’s Green Bay Packers and had the honor of playing at Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay retirement party. Later in life he again picked up his trumpeting skills & played taps nightly at sundown. His amazing creativity and fore-thinking led him to form Van’s Unlimited, the first van customizing business in the area. When you see so many handicapped-accessible vans on the roads today, it seems astonishing the he was the only one creating this life-changing service in the 70’s early 80’s. For many decades it wasn’t unusual to spot one of his custom, side-muraled vans driving in the area. Bob also became extremely knowledgeable about the Bible and its teachings and believed it was his duty to share YHVH’s message with the world. He greatly impacted people’s lives with the messages of God through his bible studies and sharing of the knowledge bestowed upon him. He grew beautiful flowers his specialties being roses and dahlias. Many of us were blessed to have the roses he grew in our homes/weddings/garden and also blessed to enjoy the bounty of his garden. Bob was unique, possessed many amazing talents and strong faith in YHVH. He was opinionated and at times, difficult. But scrape away the layers and in his heart he did have a deep love for his family and friends. Daddy…. We can’t imagine our lives here on earth without you right now, but we are blessed to have you as our angel. We love you so much!! May you find peace He is survived by his seven Children: Shane (Dawn), Shawn (Katrina), Shannon (Brock), Gabriel (Katie), Leah (Dan), Rachel (Jake), and Jesse. His ten Grandchildren Casey (Tommy), Trent (Jessie), Terissa (Rex), Brandon, Alex, Teira, Treven, Brionne, Torren and Naomi; His two Great Grandchildren Natallie and Mya: His two Sisters Bev (John) Broome and Betty Witek and many nieces, nephews, great Nieces and Nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his Mother, Father; brothers - John & Bill; Sister- Vicki (Griese) and brother-in-law, Ed Witek. A memorial services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420