Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Nelda Irene Bierbaum, 88, of Staunton, Ill., died Monday, March 6, 2023, at Heritage Health Nursing Home in Staunton. Born Oct. 15, 1934, in Sorento, she was a daughter of the late Wendell and Fairy (Bean) Young.

She graduated from Staunton High School in 1951 and married her best friend, the late Otto Leroy Bierbaum, on June 12, 1951, in Sorento. Nelda owned multiple businesses with her late husband Leroy (Leroy's Appliance Store in Staunton and the Ice Cream Parlor in Vandalia). She held various other positions over her life, but eventually became a homemaker once they created a family. She also devoted a lot of time in a regional position for the Girls Scouts of America which included volunteering. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. Nelda enjoyed traveling the world in her younger years. She was blessed with a large and loving family whom she absolutely loved to spend time with.

She is survived by her children, Kandy (Lynn) Buzick of Staunton, David (Mary Ellen) Bierbaum of Franklin, Laurie Westerheide of St. Charles, Mo .; five grandchildren, Maria (Bobby) Bodner, Jodee (Frank) Langer, both of Staunton, Justin Westerheide of St. Charles, Mo., Catelynn Whitworth of Wilsonville, Madison Bierbaum of Moro; six great-grandchildren, Tyler Finnegan, Bryce Buzick, Bryle Langer, Aaron Bodner, Bryanna Langer, Chase Bodner; two brothers, Tom (Barb) Young and Alan (Rosalie) Young; and several nieces and nephews.

Remains will be cremated with the ashes to be interred in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton during a private burial. The family will greet friends from 1 to 4 p.m. at the VFW in Staunton on Saturday, April 22.

Memorials are suggested to Staunton High School Boys Soccer Program, Staunton High School Girls Soccer Program, or Partners for Pets. Condolences may be left online at http://www.williamsonfh.com. Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton is in charge of arrangements.