Kenneth Dawson Bishir

Kenneth Dawson Bishir, of Springfield, Minnesota passed away in his home at the age of 81 on August 13, 2021. 

Private, family services will be held at the Springfield City Cemetery on Saturday, September 18, 2021. , at 1:00 p.m.

The clergy will be Chaplain Noel Wetter. Inurnment will be at the Springfield City Cemetery. 

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. 

Ken was born on July 4, 1940 to Clyde and Helen (DeLong) Bishir in Lamberton, MN. He attended Springfield High School and graduated in 1958. Ken received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics/Business from Minnesota State University-Mankato and completed graduate work at the University of Illinois, Drake University, the University of Santa Clara, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He taught high school mathematics for 14 years and left education twice, having conducted marketing research for the 3M Company in St. Paul for two years in between teaching positions. He then worked for Ryder System for 19 years where he contributed in many areas, including sales and marketing, dealer management, district control, internal software development, training manual composition, field training, and several corporate special projects. After Ryder System, he spent the next seven years working for friends and family in business development and accounting capacities, including at Southbrook Golf Club in Annandale, Minnesota, before officially retiring on August 31, 2003. 

Ken loved his hometown of Springfield and he briefly served on the city council. He enjoyed walking daily, playing cards at the nursing home, and singing in the church choir. He liked talking Springfield Tigers sports and happily chatted with passersby while working in his yard. 

Ken is survived by his wife Rachel of Springfield; children John Bishir, Mike Fier, Kim Fier, and Jon Fier; grandchildren Anna Fier and Nicholas Fier; siblings Kay (Roger) Moe, Mona (Clem) Moreau, and twin sister Karen (Clinton) Olson; in-law Wilma Bishir; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Helen Bishir; mother in-law Hilda Anderson; and by his brothers Dale (Donna) Bishir and Dean Bishir.