Dixon Loiland Bieri

Dr. Dixon Loiland Bieri, 90, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 29, 2020. He was the son of Ernest and Birdie (Loiland) Bieri. He grew up in Stanley, North Dakota, where in high school; he met his future wife Lois Aileen Stenehjem. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Dakota and was a member of Lamda Chi Alpha. Dixon and Lois married and they moved to Nashville, TN in 1954 where he obtained his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. They moved to Ann Arbor for his medical internship and he completed residencies in Family Practice and Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. In 1961, they moved to Benton Harbor where Dr. Bieri established the first practice of Anesthesiology in the twin cities. He served as Chief of Staff at Mercy Hospital and Anesthesiology Associates grew to a four physician practice. Lois died just before he retired from private practice in 1993. He volunteered for Hospice at Home for 20 years. He married Dale Shrimplin Grimm in 1994. Dr. Bieri was known professionally for his skill as an anesthesiologist and was appreciated for his compassionate care. His family, friends and colleagues valued his insight, generosity in solving all manner of problems, his excellent listening skills and his consistent down-to-earth kindness. He was good at telling jokes and had humor down to a fine science. Dixon loved golf. He has been a member of the Point O Woods golf and Country Club since 1962. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, Reader and weekly adorer in the Sacred Heart Chapel. He loved spending time with family and friends and was an avid reader, debater of current events and bird watcher. Dixon is survived by his wife Dale; Children, Elizabeth (Micheal) High of Tucson, AZ, Joseph Bieri of Vicksburg, MI, Jeffrey Bieri (Christine) of St. Joseph, MI and step-children Autumn Reinking of St. Joseph, MI and Robert Grimm of Aurora, IL; grandchildren Alexandria Bieri, Kevin High, Rachel High, Philip Bieri, Claire Reinking and John Dixon Bieri; great-granddaughter, Abigail Jo; sister, Jeanine (Robert) Peabody; and nephew Trent (Amy) Peabody. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at 1:00 P.M., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St. Burial will take place at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, with a visitation from 11:30-12:30 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Evan Scholars Foundation. Those wishing to leave and online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.