Bernie W Bien, 83, Harrisonville, MO, passed away Monday, March 10, 2008 in the cardiac care center at Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at the Harrisonville United Methodist Church with visitation from 9:30-11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 2600 E. Mechanic Street, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

Bernie was born September 17, 1924 in Harrisonville, MO, the son of Bernie William and Gladys (Voris) Bien. His life was an example of a life well lived. A child of the Great Depression and a 1942 graduate of Garden City, MO High School, he served in the United States Army from March, 1943 to August, 1946. He served in the European Theatre attached to Patton's Third Army and was in the Battle of the Bulge, liberation of Germany and subsequently the Army of Occupation serving in France, Austria and Germany. After returning from the service, he attended Kansas City College, now known as the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Bernie became a printer working for newspapers in Harrisonville, MO and Leavenworth, KS, but found his calling when he began work in the composing room of the Kansas City Star. He followed technological change in the newspaper business from hot lead linotype through early computers in the composing room and concluded his career as supervisor of the Star's on site insert print shop.

Although work was an important part of his life, his family, church and community were his real passion. Always active in each of these areas, he served in many volunteer capacities, including Boy Scout Troop 240 Committee, (Honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say), president of the Harrisonville High School Booster Club, numerous years on the Harrisonville Planning and Zoning Committee, three terms as a Harrisonville alderman (city council), Harrisonville Information Center Board, Lions Club president, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and numerous other civic activities and boards. A life-long Methodist, her served the Harrisonville United Methodist Church as Sunday School Superintendent, trustee, member of the Stewardship, Finance and Evangelism committees and as lay member, attending the annual conference on several occasions.

Bernie's active civic and faith life were complimented by a close network of friends and numerous interests. Health permitting, he met daily with the wise and wisecracking for coffee at local establishments and each Wednesday morning with the East Lynne Breakfast Club. During the growing season, he could be found mowing, planting and pruning, grass, shrubs and flowers in his immaculate yard. A proficient fly tier, he spent many happy hours in water at Bennett Springs State Park, testing his latest creations against rainbow trout. A life-long learner and voracious reader, he enjoyed historical novels, mysteries and crossword puzzles.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, an infant older brother, Kenneth and his sister, Betty. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Marie, of the home; one son, Richard Bien and his wife, Cathy, Leawood, KS; one daughter, Marianne Parker and her husband, Rick, Harrisonville, MO; six grandchildren, Adam, Carrie, Andrew and Becky Bien and Michelle Parker and Melissa Gould and her husband, Lloyd; and two great-grandchildren, Alexia and Trenton Gould.

Bernie loved and was well loved by friends and family and during his last week of life, a host of nurses and health care professionals who were charmed by his good humor in the face of adversity and who reciprocated with compassion and friendship.