John (Jack) William Bierdeman died peacefully in his sleep on November 27, 2024 at the age of  97. Jack was born in Elgin, Illinois, on October 14, 1927, the first and only child of Philip Ernest  Bierdeman and Leonora Jeanette (Jackson) Bierdeman. He grew up during the depression, near  Chicago, in the small community of Crystal Lake, Illinois, learning conservative values and  frugality. Jack was recruited for WWII just after graduating high school in 1945. He served at  Vint Hill Farms Station in Warrenton, Virginia, and began cryptographic training to intercept  radio communications from German and Japanese forces; the war ended before completion of his  training. He then changed his focus to sign painting and the pursuit of a teaching degree from the  University of Illinois Champaign. While there, he was intrigued by Intervarsity Christian  Fellowship and experienced a profound personal conversion to Christ Jesus under the ministry of  A.W Tozer. He first saw Marie Hedeen on a Chicago streetcar and got further acquainted with  her in a friends rumble seat following a rally in the Chicago area. Jack and Marie were later  married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1953, in Port Byron, Illinois. After settling in Aurora,  Jack worked as a draftsman for various companies, a surveyor for the Illinois tollway  commission, and performed maintenance for Kane County Courthouse. He was a talented  trombone player and singer, and was greatly admired for his accomplished and creative artwork.  His painting portfolio included many Fox River bridges and family farms. He was devoted to the  Aurora Free Methodist Church, where he was active in both children's ministries and choir, and  was always readily available as a handyman. Additionally, he volunteered endless hours at  Wayside cross mission. Following Marie's passing in 1981, Jack married Marian Christian of  Oswego on November 22, 1987.

Jack was always known to be sturdy, faithful, humble and kind. He was a devoted husband,  loving father, and friend. He had a steady confidence in God's presence and a quiet trust in  God's guidance throughout his lifetime. Jack and Marie instilled a servant heart and robust work  ethic in all their children.

"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake  you." Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

Jack is survived by his daughter Ruth Marie Bierdeman of Broomfield, CO; sons Paul William  Bierdeman (Marti) of East Peoria, IL; David John Bierdeman (Brenda) of Albion, NY; daughter in-law Ruth Ellen Bierdeman of Dixon, IL; grandchildren Keller Noble of CO; Darrow Noble of  CO; Chris Bierdeman (Janelle) of Greeley, CO; Kaiti Burgess (Bob) of Abingdon, IL; Cory  Bierdeman (Becky) of Washburn, IL; Chad Bierdeman of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Lisa Russell  (Jake) of Albion, NY; Jory Bierdeman (Carly) of Webster, NY; Paul Isaac Bierdeman (Anani) of  Sycamore, IL; Peter Bierdeman (Kelsey) of Belvidere, IL; David Bierdeman (Tamara) of New  Berlin, WI; Nate Bierdeman (Tori) of Dixon, IL; Ben Bierdeman of Dixon, IL; and numerous  great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Leonora, his wife  Marie, his second wife Marian, his son Steven, and his great granddaughter Olivia.

"I will be your God through all your lifetime. I made you and I will care for you." Isaiah 46:4  TLB