Ronald James Bierschenk

He was born December 29, 1952, in Fort Worth, the third of Al and Dorothy Bierschenk’s 14 children.

Ronnie graduated from Weatherford High School in 1971 and received a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University - Commerce).

He worked a variety of theatrical jobs before moving into the food business, eventually becoming a chef and working at fine hotels, restaurants and resorts. His final employer was Tapiato Springs Hill Country Resort and Spa in Boerne.

A rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at St. Stephen Chapel, 211 South Main St.Weatherford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 3, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1802 Bethel Rd, Weatherford, with his brother, The Rev. Stephen Bierschenk, officiating. Mass will be followed by a graveside service at Memory Gardens.

This final celebration of Ronnie’s life marks the 39th anniversary of what he always referred to as his “rebirthday,” the date of a terrible car accident after which he had a near-death experience. He always wondered why God saved him that day and what his life’s purpose was.

But his close-knit family knows. The beloved son, brother and uncle happily served his family delicious food at every family gathering, orchestrated numerous wedding receptions for his siblings and spoiled every new baby in the family as much as he could. He also selflessly stepped in to care for his father and six youngest siblings after his mother died at the age of 50 and later served as his father’s primary caregiver during the final months of his life.

He will always be remembered for his ever-present smile, his gentle and caring ways and his fabulous food.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Justin Bierschenk.

He is survived by his brothers Arnold and wife Siobhain and The Rev. Stephen Bierschenk, all of Dallas; Jerry and wife Marilyn of Fort Worth; Kenny and wife Robin of Cincinnati, Ohio; Joe and wife Sylvia of Nacogdoches; Don of Spring Branch; and Mark and wife Diana of San Antonio. His sisters and their husbands include Suzanne and Robert Stone of Fort Worth; Ramona and Steve Kreipe of Huntsville, Ala.; Jennifer and Joey Cavazos of San Antonio; Karen and Wayne Shipp of Rio Medina; Sheila and Greg Kraus of Fredericksburg; and Carol and Chris Laury of Fayetteville, Ark.

He also leaves 35 nieces and nephews, two grandnephews and one grandniece.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ronnie’s name to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.