Arthur “Art” Bierma, 85 of Valparaiso, passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025. He was born September 16, 1940, in Wheatfield, IN, to the late Cornelius and Effie (Tillema) Bierma. Art graduated from Wheatfield High School, and proudly served in the United States Navy. He made his career as a life-long farmer, and as a bus driver for Washington Township Schools for over 40 years. Art was a hardworking man who looked forward to accomplishing his daily chores, none of which were ever too difficult for him. As part of his daily forum at the Burger King Breakfast Club, Art was able to keep the others humble with his witty quips. He and his wife, Virginia, loved riding their motorcycle across the country, and have ridden to every state except Hawaii, putting 750,000 miles on the road. Art will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed.
On November 23, 1961, Art married Virginia Martin, who survives, along with their daughters: Sandra (David) Carter of Estero, FL, and Sharon (Joe) Polite of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren: Samantha (Sergio) Nunez, Kyle (Cameron) Carter, Alisha (Ryan) Brown, and Nick (Laura) Polite; great-grandchildren: Sofia, Carter, Sebastian, Madalynn, MaKenna, Mabel, Monroe, Liam, Nora, and Noelle; and special friends, Polly Horton-Hix and Pete Horton. He was preceded in death by 5 brothers: Nick, Ed, John, Harry, and Marvin Bierma; and sister, Cornelia “Sis” Longstreth.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Private burial at Angelcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gigi’s Playhouse, 1901 Brantley Road, Unit 11, Fort Myers, FL 33907. Gigi’s Playhouse is a nonprofit organization close to the Bierma Family’s hearts that supports individuals with Down Syndrome, like Art’s granddaughter, Sofia.
GUESTBOOK
Our sincere condolences Bierma family to our beloved “Mr. Bierma” bus driver. You were a special part of our family while growing up on 400 East and attending Washington Twp. School. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. -Suzanna Tudor
He was so much more than my bus driver! Whenever I would search for that bus #4 I had a feeling of kindness and safety wash over me. He embody strength and ease. Whenever I was out and about and run into Mr Berima, he would always take the time to talk. My condolences to my pom coach Mrs Bierma and my basketball coach Sharon (daughter) and the whole Bierma family. He was a Pillar that will be deeply missed in this world. -Cari Tudor
Art will be missed. He a great guy was grateful friend jenny and I will miss him. -Gerry and jenny Martin
We are so sorry to hear the loss of such a wonderful man. He was essential in keeping my children safe on the bus when they were young at WTES. He was also a good, caring friend to us when we first moved to the community in 1999. His smile and friendly words were always welcomed and he lit up the room whenever he entered it. He is in the gates of Heaven right now with Our Lord and Savior, as he deserves to be. Our prayers and condolences to all of the family. -Laurie Anderson (formerly Hurson); children - Morgan, Jordan and Jacob (and their families as well)
So sorry for your loss. My husband and I enjoyed many hours and miles riding motorcycles over the years with Art and Virginia. -Barb Pick
So very sorry to hear of Art’s passing. He was a wonderful man and an Uncle to many. If he was in your life you indeed your blessed. -Patty Vandevelde
Ginny My heart is sad to hear of Art's passing, He was a great cousin, and I am so glad Ron and I spent one last time with you, Art and Sis. Hold on to the memories. Prayers go to you and your family. Hugs, -Beverly Rader
My condolences to the family of Art Bierma! He was a good guy and bus driver! He will be missed! -Adam Wisdom
One of my favorite people! He was a very special bus driver from the time that I started teaching at Washington Township School in 1973 until I retired in 2010. I always knew that my students were in good hands when Art drove their bus. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace. -Barbara Geiss
I am so sorry to hear Uncle Art passed! I just seen him in June at the 50th Anniversary of WTFD! I will fondly remember all the fun we had with your family and how Uncle Art lovingly called me Shake through my life! He will live on in all of our memories! -Lynda Weiss
Our sincere condolences to Gin and your family!!! Sending hugs and love!!! -Pete and Jelaine Horton
May our God bless his soul. What a wonderful man and family. So sorry to learn of his passing. Patty Porch -Patricia H Kruger
My deepest sympathy to Virginia , her daughters and all the rest of the family. He was a part of my boys life at Washington Township during the 70s to the 90s always had a smile on his face and wonderful interactions with everybody. He surely will be missed by all Sending prayers, -Jeanne Jablonski, Chip and Joe Hooks
Such an awesome man. The entire Bierma family was a cornerstone of the township for many years. Sending love and condolences. -Frank Wheeler
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be missed by your family and the bike group. George enjoyed talking to Art. -George & Ginny Harness
Art and Sandy were my bus drivers and good friends of my parents also...I would see him often at the Chili Bowl on Sunday mornings...such a sweet humble funny man...prayers for all... -Phyllis Wallace-Campolattara
We’re so sorry for your loss of such a special man who was loved by many! We can make it to the funeral, but your family will be in our thoughts & prayers. -Rodney & Patsy King
I feel this loss deeply as Art was at Washington Twp my entire 40 year teaching career there. He was a giant of integrity to me. I will always remember the times he held a bus for me at the high school as I literally ran there to take a kindergartner off the bus or put them on per a last minute call from a parent. His girls Sandy & Sharon are both kind caring humans just like their dad. I remember Ginny’s smile and laugh as she and Art regaled all of us “young” people with stories of motorcycle escapades all over the country. Sleep in heavenly peace, Art, after a long rewarding life. You will be missed by many. -Lizabeth Garwood
My sincere condolences to the Bierma family. Art and Virginia encouraged me to take over Gin’s old bus when she retired, and I was blessed. Having Gin as my son’s driver, I knew I wanted to do a job that was as good as they both did. They were the best. Art was an incredible man and it is a privilege to say I knew him. What wonderful memories his family can treasure. God bless this family and help them through this time of sorrow. -Margaret Russell
Art & Gin moved into a house next door to me & my husband after their marriage. We had many nights of card playing & laughing. We continued this even after they moved to Valparaiso, our kids & their kids played together. Such good times & great memories, I thank God for them both. -Pat Seegers
So sorry for your family's loss. He was a super guy!! Mom and dad rode motorcycles with Art and Virginia, we drove bus together (I was at Morgan) and Art sold my son his first pickup truck. Thoughts and prayers for healing. -Diana Goldstine
To me Art was magical. No matter how grumpy or sad I was, a smile would instantly break out on my face when I saw Art. Art was authentic, honest, and told it exactly how it was. His stories were informative, clever, and funny. I feel blessed and lucky to have known Art. -Joy Martinsen
Our sympathy to the entire Bierma family. Art was a wonderful man, loved by his family and his community. It was a blessing to have known him. May God grant him eternal peace and may we all find comfort in our memories of him. -Scifres family
Our sympathies to your family. We always appreciated his caring nature and support, especially while transporting them to and from school and school events. I enjoyed coffee with him at the Big Wheel back in the day and all his pearls of wisdom as well as the jokes! They don’t make them like Art anymore! -Ralph Schultz Family
My condolences to Virginia and the Bierma family! It was a pleasure having Art as a customer and a friend. He will be missed. -David Thomas
Art was such a gentleman that if one had the pleasure of having a conversation with him one will always remember that conversation. Today the family can be assured that many people will be reflecting on a conversation with Art and will be remembering his family for a long time to come. Art will truly be missed but never forgotten. -Darl Jarnecke
Our sympathies to your family. We always appreciated his caring nature and support, especially while transporting them to and from school and school events. I enjoyed coffee with him at the Big Wheel back in the day and all his pearls of wisdom as well as the jokes! They don’t make them like Art anymore! -Ralph Schultz Family
