Phyllis Bierle

Phyllis Klaus Bierle, 96, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 with family present. A celebration of life will be held Monday, May 13 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Oakdale Mortuary, 1401 South Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740. A graveside service will follow at noon at Oakdale Mortuary and a sunset reception will follow from 1 to 3 p.m.

Phyllis was born in Plum Creek Township, on January 24, 1928 to Edward and Viola (Dacken) Kain. She was raised on their farm and attended rural school through 8th grade, graduating from Algona High School in 1945. Phyllis taught school for six years before moving herself to southern California in 1951. There she met John “Jack” Klaus. They were married in 1955 in Algona and lived in southern California. Jack passed away in 1984.

While raising four children, Phyllis obtained her Bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) and later her master’s degree from University of La Verne. She loved teaching and taught public school until retiring in 1991. While teaching, she was active in the California Teachers Association and served on the state budget committee for 10 years. She was also active with the church and served on church councils for many years.

Later, Phyllis married Raymond “Ray” Bierle in 1992. They lived part of each year in Buffalo Center and southern California until Ray’s passing in 2019. Phyllis liked to travel and had a memorable trip to Europe with her sister. She took many cruises and trips around the country with Ray. Phyllis was an avid card player and stayed busy with other hobbies and pursuits including babysitting her grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Mark (Marsha), Beth (Linda), Michael, and Jon (Janice); grandchildren: Kenneth, Amanda (Jonathan), Evan, Jon Christopher “Chris”, Edward “Ted”, Andrew “Drew”, Frederick “Fred” and Abigail; stepchildren: Keith (Maurine) Bierle, Joyce (Tim) Heitland, Julie (Tom) Wallace, Lorie Bierle and JoAnn Bierle; sister, Beverly Plaehn; brother, James (Irene) Kain; and many cousins and great friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouses, Jack and Ray, brothers: John Michael “Mike, and Thomas Kain; stepsons, Michael Bierle and James Bierle; and step grandson, Danny Linderman.