"Remembering the fun times we had back in Slayton so many years ago. Condolences to you, Sheri, and your family."
In loving memory of
Richard "Rich" Biever
December 29, 1943 - September 7, 2011
Richard "Rich" John Biever was born on December 29, 1943, in Pipestone, Minnesota to Earl Nicholas and Eileen Marie (Demuth) Biever. He was baptized at a young age in St. Martin's Catholic Church in Woodstock, Minnesota. He received his education in country school District #56 and graduated from Pipestone High School in the Class of 1961. He then attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis before being drafted into the Army during Vietnam in 1965. He served his country honorably until being discharged in 1967.
On June 22, 1968, Rich was united in marriage to Sharon "Sheri" Kay Jensen at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Woodstock. They first resided in Pipestone. In 1971, they moved to Slayton and then to Webster City, Iowa before moving to Windom in 1980 where he became the station's owner/sports broadcaster. He became the voice of Windom and surrounding areas where he loved broadcasting sporting events and keeping everyone up to date on the latest severe weather. In 2001, he retired and continued to live in Windom and began to winter in Arizona, which he greatly enjoyed along with his naps in retirement. Just recently, Rich became severely ill and fought courageously until passing away at the Windom Area Hospital on September 7, 2011, with his family at his side, at the age of 67.
Rich was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom. He also was very involved in his community through the years as a member of the Windom Country Club and Board, Windom Chamber, Ducks Unlimited, Windom EDA, Windom Doctor Recruitment Committee, Windom Community Center and the WADC Board. Rich also had many enjoyments in life which included golfing, fishing, sports, gardening, watching the weather and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Rich is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Sheri Biever of Windom; two daughters, Penny Bruns and her husband, Matthew, of Fort Calhoun, NE; Tonya Holt and her husband, Travis, of Woodbury; four grandchildren; his mother, Eileen Biever of Pipestone; four siblings, Gary Biever and his wife, Gwen, of Pipestone; Jan Karpen of Sioux Falls, SD; Kathy Anderson and her husband, Jerry, of Vermillion, SD; Jim Biever and his wife, Jan of Pipestone; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Rich is preceded in death by his father, Earl Biever.
Blessed be the memory of Rich Biever.
Tributes
"Hi Sheri. It's hard to believe it has been a week since Rich passed away. I am so grateful for this man to hire me at KQWC in 1978...and guess what...I am still here! Rich was wonderful. I am forever grateful to him. I will certainly miss this wonderful individual. Thank you Rich...God Bless You Sheri and the rest of the family at this difficult time. "
"Rich was the sweetest, funniest man.. A great asset to Windom.. Rich will be missed by many.
Rodger and Carol"
"I remember hearing Rich on the radio as the "voice" of Windom both as a listener and an employee. I can still hear his voice in my mind, so crisp, clear! My thoughts go out to your family during this difficult time!"
"Dear Sherri and family- We are so sorry for your loss, and the loss of such a great guy in our community!Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and will remain with in the days ahead! May God bless each one of you with peace and comfort in knowing that Rich will be with our Lord and savior and no more suffering! And may he rest in peace!
Love and prayers,Dan & Linda Ortmann"
"Sheri and family. Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. We will always remember Rich's laugh, jokes and fun personality. He will be greatly missed. We wish you comfort and support. Janet & Rod Ditmeyer"
"Sheri, Penny, Tonya and families, We are thinking of you all during this difficult time."
"Sharon, My prayers are with you. It is hard to lose the one you love but remember all those wonderful years you spent together and treasure them always."
"Shari & Rich's family; Rich was one of those people who shared his spirit and love of life with every person he met. He made the world around him a better place through his wit, love of life and laughter. Please know though we cannot be with you today that we certainly are there in spirit; celebrating Rich's life. God Bless & Keep each of you during this difficult time. "
"Sheri and all extended family... We are very sorry for your great lose, We will always remember Rich as a wonderful guy with a great sense of humor. Try to keep in mind that we never lose the person we love, Their memory stays forever in our hearts. God Bless Lloyd and Kedo"
"Sheri and family, We were shocked and deeply sorrowed to hear of Rich's passing. So many memories, from pre-kids to out here in Arizona. He was a much loved man who will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Our love and prayers are with you. Buff & Cheryl"
"Sheri, and girls we are saddened by the news that you have lost Rich and that laugh that we all enjoyed. I don't think I have ever seen anyone enjoy life more than Rich. Want you to know that prayers are sent your way. "
"Sheri and family: Our condolences to you in your loss. Rich will be remembered greatly by all the local people who, like us, listened to KDOM daily. We remember the great time we had with you folks and others on the Alaskan cruise in 2001. It was a great time. Blessings to all of you as you remember your husband, father, and grandfather."
"Sharon and girls, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Rich. God will be at your side during these times, and leave you with good memories."
"Great guy! Wonderful radio voice and loving family man! Treasure your memories and may God give you his peace and love. He will be missed by so many. "
"Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Prayers being sent your way!"
"Rich was so loved and known by everyone....hold unto the memories...he was a great guy"
"Long live the memory of Rich Biever! My deepest sympathy to Shari and family. Windom will always remember Rich-his kind heart and GREAT laugh."
"Sheri and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Class of 61."
"Sharon, I so sad and sorry to hear about Rich. I hope you and you family the best at this time of sorrow."
"Biever Family, I am very sorry about the loss of Rich. My dad Bernie worked with him and spoke very highly of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Here's their chance to catch the big ones that got away. God Bless, Cindy Kramer "
"Deepest sympathies to the Biever family from Mick and LaDonna Myers, Pipestone......"
"Sheri, Penny and Tonya...I am so sorry for your loss. Rich was my first 'boss' outside of college, and he took me under his wing when I started at KDOM. I will always remember his down to earth, humorous, and honest demeanor, as well as his love for the radio business. My deepest condolences to all of you and your families...you all will be in my prayers."
"I am sad to hear about your dad, Penny and Tonya. I don't know how I missed your earlier post on FB? I think of your dad coming in after a round of golf with your mom and then probably their class reunions with Jim and Carol Stout. So fortunate you have so many great memories around the golf course as a family. With sympathy, Mary T. (Brual) Schmitz"
"sorry to hear about your loss i cannot imagine what you and your family is going through i remember your dad always being happy and funny he kept all of us girls in line my prayers are with you and your family"
"Sherri and Family, Rich will be missed, our most heartfelt sympathy to you all."
"Richard - you will be remembered and missed by all of your class member of Class of 61."
"Sheri, Penny and Tonya- Your dad is already working his "magic" in heaven. Little Aaron has had 2 awesome days yesterday and today and I know that Grandpa Rich has something to do with that. Aaron's voice is getting stronger every day and I know before too long he will get a nice rich radio voice like Rich did. (He will have to get through puberty first to get the voice though) Know that even though we are not there in physical presence right now you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rich was the best neighbor a girl could have....he supplied my mom and dad with their share of cucumbers and tomatoes over the years. I know my mom will miss that a lot! Take Care and remember all the great times as those memories will make each day a little bit easier to get through. Love ya neighbors- Kathy and Ryan"
"Sheri, Penny and Tonya, Our deepest sympathys to your family for the loss of a great man to the whole Windom community and sorrounding area. That deep radio voice was treasured by so many people who either listened to his radio ads, severe weather reports, football games and of course the "Talk Show" with Dave. Those two could feed off one another and never have a script to follow. What a joy that was to listen too. Rich knew how to throw one liners out there and still keep it within the the rules of radio. The never was a dull moment when Rich was around. What a great job he did with the radio station and his imprint is still there today. I'm sure his voice is being heard somewhere right now. Blessed be the memories of Rich. "
"Sheri and family, Rich was a super guy and one I looked up to. He just had a way to make me laugh with his wise-crack comments. The most memorable times were at the famous KDOM Golf Classics. Good times were had by all ! And then there was the Auction Blocks. We were just starting a business and listed some items. Rich had been to the shop for lawn mower or weed-eater repair and apparently was impressed by the results so when selling our items on the air he came up with the phrase " They do a super bang up job" and it stuck. Customers still make comments on it today. Rich recorded all our commercials because that was "The Voice" people listened to. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to you and your family."
"SHERI AND FAMILY....SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. RICH WAS MUCH TOO YOUNG. YOU HAVE LOST A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER. THE GRANDCHILDREN WILL MISS OUT ON MANY FUN TIMES. JOHN AND PEGGY "
"The memories started years ago when I worked with Donna Dunse at the Old Country Store...he had us in tears most of the time...when he was there taking an ad...what you saw is what you got...he really made a difference in so many people's lives..such a good good person...and neighbor...and friend to so many..."
"Sherry and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Rich. I didn't realize he was sick. My heart is broken. I've always told people that he was the best boss I've ever had, and I wish more bosses were like him. He was also funniest man I've ever met. I'm going to try and get to the funeral. God Bless glenna"
"Sherry and family our deepest sympathy go out to you at this time. Our best memory of Rich is when he came out to the Old Country Store to get ads for the radio. He always had some really good jokes to tell us. We had a lot of laughs out there with him. He will be deeply missed. "
"Biever Family I am saddened to hear that we have lost another great man. Rich was so much fun to listen to on the radio...I always thought they had those singers lined up in the waiting area waiting to sing on the radio. Not really sure when I finally figured it out :-) Hold on to your memories, Lean on your family and friends to help you through these difficult days/weeks/months ahead. This community is a GREAT support system if you need shoulders to cry on or an ear to vent to, we all knew Rich in one way or another, so there are plenty of ears and shoulders to help you out. Thoughts and prayers for you all."
"Hi Sheri, Tonya and Penny We plan on being at the visitation and funeral. We have thought of you guys so much these last few weeks. We have so many great memories--wouldn't know where to begin. Glenn and Joan Olson"
"Sheri & Family"sWish we could be there..have thought of you so much the last 6 month"s & wondered how thing"s wer"e going..Rich was a "great on the Radio..often thought when I was younger I"d like to do the same thing.alway"s remember Rich"s 1956" chevy..the good times..Our thought"s & "PRAYERS "are with each of you..GOD BLESS EACH OF & your familie"s..."
"Rich, the guy with the wonderful deep radio voice. He really made KDOM what it is today. I really enjoyed his talk show with Dave Cory. We all around this area are so lucky to have such a nice radio station thanks to Rich along with his side-kick Dave. Geof and I extend our deepest sympathies to all of Rich's family and friends. May God Bless you all. "
"I have so many memories frm the short time I worked at KDOM. Rich was so kind and wonderful (even when Shari and I got into "trouble"). I learned a lot of life's lessons from Rich. Rich was an honost, dedicated, hard working family man and business man and friend to all. I will never forget him. My deepest sympathies go out to you - Shari and Penny and Tonya and your familes. Praying your faith keeps you strong during this difficult time."
"Sheri and family,our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Favorite memory was playing golf with Rich, our Thursday fivesome was great, lots of laughs and good times. Rich was the toughest to get any quarters from. Will always be remembered."
"Penny, we're thinking of you and sending you strength for the next few days. "
"Tonya and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will remember all the fun times with Rich in Winona and Windom. I treasure the time that I was lucky enough to spend with him and your family and all the fun we had. Love you always."
"Sheri, Tonya & Penny So sorry for your loss. I had so many fun times at the Biever household growing up. Rich was always a fun loving guy. He will never be forgotten. "
"Tonya, my heart is so heavy for you today. I am praying for you and your family, that you can find peace, that your memories and love for your Dad and each other will hold you up. May eternal rest grant him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen Love and blessings to you and your family from ours!!! Martha Klein"
"Tonya and family, You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad and husband. You should be proud knowing he touched so many lives in so many ways. He will be missed."
"We send our sympathy to your family. My favorite memory of Rich was when he and Dave did the "talk show" at 9am on KDOM. The half hr. was too short. Bless the memory of Rich."
"Sherri and family...We are so sorry about Rich. Our neighborhood has lost a great man. We always enjoyed his presence on his deck, watching our kids and barking dogs. He was always good for a good laugh. He will be missed. Jen, Jay, Clay, chance and Camryn Elness "
"I was so sorry to hear of Rich's passing. I still think of him and our first meeting in my store "Kids & Stuff" when I moved to Windom. I loved his morning show and the words of wisdom he put out on the airwaves. I heard he was ill when we visited last month - now his suffering is over and he is at peace. My best to the family."
"Sheri & family, I was so sad to hear that Rich had passed. He will forever be "the voice" to me. In fact, I can still hear it clearly in my mind, on the "closing cart," to be followed by the star spangled banner. Deepest sympathies to all of you on your loss! "
"Sheri & family, We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Rich's passing. What a rock he always was for this community -- he will be greatly missed! We will also miss him in the clinic -- he was always so much fun! Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"Sherrie and family We are so very sorry to hear of Rich's passing. As the velvet voice of KDOM, he always transmitted such a professional radio sound to our community. When he would broadcast the Riverfest parade in front of the State Theatre, Mick would bring him popcorn, and Rich would give a plug for the Theatre. Our community will miss him. Mick and Barb Christians"
" Sherry and family, When I was but a farm boy, I listened to Rich on the Pipestone/Slayton radio station while i milked cows...how entertaining he was. He made 'choretime' so very much easier to endure. Then I was so surprised to meet up with him when my family moved to Windom and I found him on the air again...this time on KDOM. It was like greeting an old pal although we had never actually met in person. I remember the day the tornado tore through Cottonwood County. Moments later I was talking to him 'live' from my patrol unit in the middle of the County. He had such a calming affect on me...he could never really know just how much he settled my nerves after that harrowing experience. With just those two connections, among many others, I will miss him. May the memories of Rich live on forever...... Tim Jenniges "
"Sheri, Tonya, Penny...your dad has been a part of my life since Tonya and I became friends in elementary school...I have many memories spending time at your house and your dad certainly kept us in line...and he made the best breakfasts after a sleepover! I think we were all better kids for knowing him. I know he will continue to be a constant presence in your lives."
"Sherri and Family: You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband/father/father-in-law and grandfather! I am saddened to hear of Rich's passing and also rejoicing with him that his fight is over! It's never easy to lose someone and especially someone so young. My dad passed a year ago this month and a day doesn't go by that I don't think of him...each day being a little easier. I trust it will be the same for all of you! Rich was a great guy and I sure enjoyed working for him (and you, Sherri), at KDOM! He always told me "Linda, I think you could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo." And today, I am in sales and have thought of that statement MANY TIMES! May each of your hearts be lifted and your hands held as you face the next days, weeks and months and know that you have many friends that will be an ear or shoulder as needed! God bless each of you and the life of Rich Biever!"
"Sherry, Girls, and Family - I am so sorry for your loss. Rich was a good guy, and I had many laughs with him. Today was a good day for Rich Biever....My deepest sympathy.......Andrea Nerhus"
"Sherry & Family: Being that I no longer live in Windom, I came as a real shock when I received the notification of Rich's passing. The memories flow as I think back to the first time I met you both when "The Sidekicks" were entertaining at the Pipestone Legion 40 years ago. I recall the times I stopped by the studio in Slayton, and greeting Rich to the community when you moved to Windom. What a difference Rich made to KDOM and the community with his involvement & promotion of area events. Your loss is a loss for the whole community. You have my sincere sympathy."