Joseph P. Biwer
May 1, 1931 ~ December 28, 2011
Joseph P. Biwer, age 80, of Granger, IA formerly of Elma, IA passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Granger Nursing and Rehab Center in Granger. Joseph Phillip Biwer was born on May 1, 1931 to Phillip and Elizabeth (Rosonke) Biwer in Elma. He attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School at Elma in 1949. Joe farmed in the Elma area before entering the US Army in 1953. After his honorable discharge in 1955, Joe returned to Elma to farm the family farm. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Papenheim on June 22, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington. The couple farmed in the Elma area until 1971 when they moved to Tempe, AZ. The couple resided here until 1974 when they moved to West Des Moines, IA. Joe was a maintenance supervisor for Normandy Terrace Apartments until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, gardening, watching Cubs baseball and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Joe was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Elma and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. He was also a member of the Elma City Council and American Legion. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Betty Biwer of Granger; his children, Mike (Mary Kay) Biwer of New Hampton, Tom Biwer of Madrid, IA and Jim Biwer of Dallas Center, IA; three sisters, Gerry Heying of Elma, Mary Ann Sullivan of Rochester, MN and Betty (Bob) Klasson of Ventura, IA; two brothers, Matt (Jackie) Biwer of Surprise, AZ and Al (Donna) Biwer of Elma; one brother-in-law, Joe Glaser of New Hampton; five grandchildren, Beth Biwer, Jessica Biwer, Adam Biwer, Amanda Miller and Jacob Biwer and three great-grandchildren, Ryan Lawson, Dara Lawson and Adam Lawson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Phyllis Glaser and one daughter-in-law, Cindy Biwer.
Cemetery:
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Elma. Military rites will be provided by the Elma American Legion John Fram Post #597.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Visitation will be Monday, January 2, 2012 from 4-7pm, with a scriptural wake service at 6:00pm at Conway-Markham Funeral Chapel in Elma and will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma with Father Kenneth Glaser celebrating the mass.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We were sorry to hear about your loss. Cherish the memories of wonderful times spent together and the conversations you enjoyed with him until you meet again.
With deepest sympathy to Betty and the family of my godfather. He will be missed. When I worked in Elma I remember playing cards with him, Jerome Heying and several others. I don’t know if they cheated, but I never won a game. Had many good times. Joe will always have a very special place in my life.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. David and Jeanne Roder
Mary Kay, We are very sorry for the loss of your Dad. We are thinking of you in this diffiicult time.
Mike and family. Sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and family. Sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Mary Kay ,I am sorry to hear of your Dad’s death,my thoughts are with you.
Mike and Mary Kay,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Sending you my deepest sympathies and love. Uncle Joe will be missed.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sorry I can’t be there. Thinking of you guys.
Mike and mary kay- So very sorry for the loss of Mike’s dad- and the grandfather of Beth,Jessica and Adam. My thoughts are with you all.
Donna
Mike and Mary Kay and the rest of the Biwer family, sorry to hear about your dads death, although I didn’t know him but know some of the family I am sure he was just as a good of man as the rest of the family is. Hopefully in the days to come you and the rest of the family can find peace knowing that your loved one is at peace too.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.