Kathleen Marie Biernbaum

March 15, 1947 — March 12, 2025

Kathleen M. Biernbaum "Kathy"
3/15/1947 - 3/12/2025

Kathleen “Kathy” Biernbaum of Springfield, Nebraska passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of Wednesday, March 12, surrounded by family in her final days. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, with a fiercely independent spirit and a creative soul.

Kathy devoted her career to enhancing public schooling, focusing on the needs of special education. She started as a teacher then advanced to administration where she was able to foster change on a larger scale. While she officially retired in 2002, her desire to help continued as she worked with the state to further develop opportunities within special education.

Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, Kathy developed a passion for music and dance at a young age. She learned to play both the piano and organ, later teaching piano to her children, Jeff and Wendy, as well as her grandson, Chase. For several years, she played the organ at church. In high school, she was a proud Stepperette and had the honor of performing in front of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Kathy loved to play games and was fiercely competitive like her sister. While the score mattered, she knew cherished memories were also being created. Some of her favorites were Cribbage, Mexican train, and Apples to Apples.

Holidays were where her creativity shined, ensuring the family was always having fun together. One of her favorite Christmas traditions was baking her mother’s cookie recipe, gathering everyone around to decorate. She also made Easter special by coloring eggs with her children and grandchildren.

Kathy loved to travel, a trait she got from her parents. Family vacations were a yearly occurrence, often bringing generations together, and they are still talked about to this day. She treasured the regular fishing trips to Canada; getting out into nature, bonding with family, and of course catching fish. She also enjoyed traveling around the United States, exploring the natural beauty of the country, cities, and culture. Later in life she was able to travel internationally, covering dozens of countries, four continents, and making friends from all corners of the world. While she loved all destinations, the place dearest to her heart was Italy. Whether it was enriching her faith at the Vatican and Assisi, exploring Rome and Pisa, or staying weeks in a Tuscan villa with friends, Italy touched her soul and never left.

Above all she loved her family, especially her husband, children, and grandchildren. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Morris and Nellie McCleary, her sister Marilyn Riehl, and beloved husband Bill Biernbaum. She leaves behind her brother John McCleary, her children Jeff Biernbaum and Wendy Biernbaum (Craig Coffman), grandchildren Alison Biernbaum and Chase Iske, along with extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 21st at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church located at 100 9th St., Springfield, Nebraska with visitation starting at at 9:30 am and service at 10:30 am. Burial service will follow at Springfield Cemetery and wrapping up with a luncheon back at St. Joseph’s. There will also be a Celebration of Life Open House at the La Vista Conference Center Thursday, March 20th from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm with a remembrance at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.

Rest in peace, Kathy/Mom/Mama B.

Funeral Mass: Friday, March 21, at 10:30 am, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at St. Joseph Catholic Church Springfield, 100 9th St, Springfield, NE 68059
Interment: Springfield Cemetery

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, March 21, 2025

9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)

Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Springfield

100 9th Street, Springfield, NE 68059

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Funeral Mass