Don was born on May 14, 1936 to Charles A Bieker, Sr. & Helena M Bieker in Portland, Oregon. Don was the youngest of six children, Charles Bieker Jr, William Bieker, Elizabeth Schneider, Helen Johnson, Mary Lou Adams. The family attended Holy Redeemer church and primary school. After Don graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1954, he briefly attended Portland State University for a handful of Engineering courses before joining the Oregon State Highway Department. He started out on a road surveying team and 35 years later retired as a State Highway Project Manager. If you drive on a highway or cross a river, you have seen his work. Terwilliger Curves, Fremont bridge, I-205, Marquam Bridge, Glen Jackson, etc.
Don met Mary Christine Ellis at Ski lessons. After many outdoor adventures, Don and Mary married in 1969. They went on to have three children, Matthew, Curtis and Anita. The family grew up in Troutdale, Oregon and attended St. Henry’s Parish.
In 1972 Don built a humble A-frame beach chalet in Watseco (Rockaway Beach, OR) with the assistance of all his relatives. Many whales and waves were watched over the 5 decades. While Don loved the ocean best, he also enjoyed gorge hikes, family camping trips with immediate and extended family, hunting with friends, fishing with aunts and uncles, backpacking with scouts and supporting his children and grandchild at sporting events. Don’s fitness plan was playing catch in the backyard and Wii with the grandchildren. Don was a Mr. Fix-it on cars, homes and toys. He enjoyed being in his garden and reading mysteries.
Don was preceded in death by Mary in 2014. He is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Adams, his 3 children, 3 grandchildren, Matthew, Melena, Collin and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at St. Juan Diego, 5995 NW 178th Ave, Portland, OR 97229 on April 22nd at 11am followed by a reception. Donations can be made to the St. Juan Diego Church Building Fund in Don Bieker's memory. Funeral arranged by Zeller Chapel of the Roses.
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