John Biekarck
John C.R. Biekarck, 79, of Warren, PA. died Sunday morning, December 30, 2012 at the Warren Manor Nursing Home. He was born May 27, 1933 in Warren, PA., son of the late F.C. Rex and Martha Grettenberger Biekarck. He has resided in Warren most of his life. John was a 1951 graduate of Warren High School and a 1955 graduate of Allegheny College where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. He had served with the United States Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant, serving from 1955 to 1957. He was a third generation, owner and operator of Biekarck Music Store, working there from 1960 until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church where he was a former vestry member. John enjoyed canoeing, gardening, sailing on Chautauqua Lake, especially his time spent at his cottage at Colburns Point, Bemus Point, N.Y.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis Beck Biekarck whom he married September 1, 1954 in Jamestown, N.Y. 4 Children – R. Steven Biekarck of Corry, PA. David Biekarck (Lois) of Warren, PA, Marie Ann Biekarck of Newburg, OR., Nancy L. Biekarck of Johnstown, CO., 2 Sisters – Valerie Lynde and husband, Nelson of Bemus Point, N.Y., Violet “VI” Heise of Tuscan, AZ., 10 Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 Son – William “Bill” R. Biekarck.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 from 6 to 8 P.M. A funeral and committal service will be conducted Thursday, January 3, 2013 at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church at 11:00 A.M. by Rev. Matthew Scott, Priest-in-charge, officiating. Interment will be Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Warren Cancer Center, 2 Crescent Park, Warren, PA. 16365 or National Parkinson’s Foundation Western Pennsylvania, 3468 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA. 15237. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Phyllis, I want to express my deepest condolences to your family on the passing of John. John was a great guy and furnished me and my family with many musical instruments, accessories, and outstanding service. We had many great conversations about many issues, he was a stand-up gentleman with a lot of enthusiam! I am saddened by his passing, he will be missed in this world. It was my pleasure to know him. I am sorry for your loss.
I bought many a 45 rpm Beatles record at Biekark’s during the ’60’s and have fond memories of going in and buying those and other newest hits of other groups of the 60’s and 70’s.
My sincere condolences to the family.
John was a wonderful help with musical instuments for our family and records over the years. We thrilled at his direction and suppport as we went canoeing and football games together. We send loving prayers to his familly at this time. A special friend that we enjoyed when we lived in Warren and visited with this pasr summer.
Dear Biekarck family,
Our father, Dick Stearns, bought many instruments from John when Dad was the band teacher at Frewsburg years ago. He was more than a salesman to Dad, he was a friend. I am sure he will be sadly missed, we are very sorry for your loss.
Dear Biekarck Family,
I just wanted to express my condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, Father, and brother. He was very special, I’m sure, to each of you in his own special way. I am sure his love and presence will be sorely missed and, in time, the pain in your hearts will subside a little bit. Again, I am very sorry for your loss.
Late in the fall of 1943 a young and friendly John Biekarck greeted the younger son of the recently arrived new minister of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church. Thus commenced a lifelong friendship that over the years expanded far by beyond the confines of the church and the nearby Biekarck Music Store – initially encompassing ping pong games at the church, & ice cream at Walker’s, then expanding to adventures on the river, trout fishing, Chautauqua Lake, Allegheny College, Cornell, a wonderful wedding to Phyllis, the military for both of us, jobs, families, Oregon and far more. In the initial years his parents Rex and Greta, and sisters Val and Vi were always nearby and figured prominently, and soon on the scene was Phyllis – loving wife, mother to 5 great kids, and John’s lifelong companion. As a friend to me, John was “one in a million” — too soon he passes over to the other side. He will be missed – with luck we will meet again. With love to Phyllis and the family, all of whom he so dearly loved and cherished. Dick (WHS 1951) and Betsy Rutledge
So many memories…. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you all for your prayers, warm wishes, and great memories. I will make sure that Mom see these, and thanks again for all your support.
David Biekarck
Dear Phylls and family,
You are in our prayers. What wonderful times we had canoeing on the
Brokenstraw & Allegany river.
Phyllis,
We were sorry to hear of John’s passing. We feel so blessed that we got to know you and John, and spent some good times with you both, while you lived in Newberg. John was such a kind and gentle man. We will miss him. We miss you too, Phyll.
I worked for John and Rex and Gret at Biekarck Music Store 1970-1972, my very first job, and what a wonderful experience that was. John was so kind and gracious and supportive, a true gentleman. I have so many fond memories of that time. After my family moved away from Warren, I would always go see John at the store when I came to town for a visit. I am so sorry to learn (belatedly) of his passing. My sincere and deep condolences to his family.
In the late 1950’s my twin brother decided he wanted to play trumpet. Dad went to Biekarck Music Store and bought a brand new trumpet for my brother.
He has it to this day and plays it.