NEW PALESTINE
John F. Biersdorfer, age 75, of New Palestine, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. He was born on May 4, 1942 in Buffalo, NY, as the son of Harry B. and Lillian R. (Ford) Biersdorfer.
He graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1960. He received his bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television Arts from Indiana University in 1964 and later obtained his Master of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. He married Barbara A. (Elliott) on June 19, 1965, in New Palestine. John served a tour in Vietnam in 1967-68 with the United States Air Force and left the service with the rank of captain, after being stationed in California, Maryland and North Dakota.
After his military service, he worked for Xerox in Indianapolis and retired in 2007. He was a member and past master of New Palestine Masonic Lodge No. 404, where he was its current secretary. He also belonged to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and was a 33-degree Mason. He was a member of the American Legion.
During his college days, he was in the drum corps of the IU Marching Hundred and participated in the alumni band for years. He was very active with New Palestine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he was a Sunday School teacher, chairman of the board and an elder. John was an avid IU fan. He was also a longtime volunteer crew member for the New Palestine High School football team.
John is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Biersdorfer of New Palestine; daughters, Mary E. (Bobby) Armstrong of Minneapolis, MN and Judith D. (Betsy Book) Biersdorfer of New York, NY; son, Thomas J. (Linda Przygodski) Biersdorfer of New York, NY; sister, Judy (Jim) Hinshaw of Indianapolis; and one granddaughter, Caitrin Armstrong. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lillian Biersdorfer.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A Masonic Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following. The Reverend Travis Hacker will officiate. Burial will follow at New Palestine Cemetery with military rites presented by the active duty.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Palestine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 4053 S. 650 W., New Palestine, IN 46163 or the donor’s favorite charity. Envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
