Judy (Van Driel) Bierle

Judy (Van Driel) Bierle, age 83, of Utica, South Dakota, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on Friday, June 13, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lesterville, South Dakota with Reverend Bob Lacey officiating. Lunch and fellowship will follow the Mass at the Lesterville Community Center and then burial will take place at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Thursday, June 12, at the church with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Judy Marie (Van Driel) Bierle, daughter of Arthur and Darline (Uhl) Van Driel, was born on December 10, 1941 in Yankton, South Dakota. Judy grew up on the family farm in rural Utica, SD. She attended Hillcrest Country School and graduated from Scotland High School in 1959. After graduation, Judy worked at American State Bank. On June 14, 1961, she married Richard Bierle at St. Agnes Catholic Church in rural Utica and then moved a short distance away to the Bierle family farm. After having their third child, Judy became a stay at home mom and then became an in-home daycare provider before retiring in 2005. Judy was well loved by her many daycare children, including of course, some of her daycare grandkids. Besides her love for children, Judy loved quilting. She loved making quilts for her family, her friends, and donated many quilts for community events. She also had a quilting business (Heavenly Quilts) with her sister, Doreen. Judy also enjoyed camping and fishing. In retirement, Judy and Richard spent several winters in Palacios, Texas and also had a site at Platte Creek these past couple summers. Judy was a devoted Catholic who raised her children (a whole pew full!) in the church to love Jesus. Her unwavering faith and constant prayers were a source of strength for her family.

Judy is survived by her husband, Richard Bierle of Utica, SD; children: Denise (Mike) Svec, Danita (Mark) Kocer, Darrin (Rita) Bierle, Doug (Alisa) Bierle, Debra (Eric) Pulfrey, Dean Bierle, and Darci (Phil) Griffiths; grandchildren: Jordan Svec, Ashley Sauter, Stephanie (Michael) Joritz, Kaci Bierle, Brody Bierle, Colton (Ashley) Bierle, Courtney Bierle, Nick (Amanda) Kotalik, Katelyn (Jak) Steinberg, Bailey Kotalik, Ethan Pulfrey, Joe Maier, Justin Maier, Treyton Misquadace, Vivian Parker, Samantha Parker, Channing Parker, Autumn Griffiths, and Jaxson Griffiths; great grandchildren: Kendelyn Sauter, Eliana Sauter, Lennon Joritz, Magnolia Joritz, Rozlyn Bierle, Olivia Bierle, Ava Bierle, Bradyn Bierle, Sophia Campbell, Oliver Kotalik, Henry Kotalik, Edith Kotalik, Lincoln Steinberg, and Blake Steinberg; sisters: Doreen Schlechter, Mary Nelson, Kathy (Carlos) Reyes, and Marcia (Richard) Cuka; brothers: Michael (Tess) Van Driel, Pete (Sharon) Van Driel, Jim (Renata) VanDriel, and Bill (Tina) Van Driel; and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Darline Van Driel; parents-in-law, Henry and Vivian Bierle; sisters, Patricia Steffen and Jean Van Driel; daughter, Deanne Bierle; and grandson, Nathan Kocer.

Judy’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.