Virginia Bierman

Virginia Dale Horning Bierman, of Mesa, AZ, and formerly of Cresbard, SD, passed away peacefully early on the morning of October 23, 2026, at Friendship Village in Tempe, AZ. She attained the age of 81 years, 10 months, and 17 days.

A celebration of life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 6, 2026, at Luce Funeral Home, Faulkton with Pastor Thomas Sumers presiding. Burial will follow in the Cresbard Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Virginia Dale Horning Bierman was born on December 6, 1944, to Dale and Alyce (Petersen) Horning near Cresbard, SD. She was known to friends and family as “Gini.” Gini graduated from Cresbard High School in 1962. She also took a few classes at Northern State University to further her education, earning excellent grades.

On April 13, 1969, Gini married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Bierman, in Cresbard. Together, they welcomed three children: Brian Bierman, born October 16, 1969; Alissa (Craig) Nelson, born November 30, 1971; and Kara (Mark) Roben, born May 22, 1976. They lived in several South Dakota communities, including Cresbard, Lead, Warner, Mansfield, and Northville, before eventually moving to Aberdeen in 1990.

Gini dedicated 37 years of her working life to Dakota Midland and Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen before retiring in 2013. During her years in Aberdeen, Gini enjoyed going dancing with friends and even played in a steel-tip dart league, where she earned several awards, including one for “most games won.” Whether she was out with friends or gathered around a table with family, Gini enjoyed a little friendly competition.

Never one to hide her dislike of South Dakota’s cold winters, Gini wasted little time moving to Mesa, Arizona, after retiring in 2013. In Mesa, the community where she lived, Brentwood West, became a second family that she dearly loved. She loved having family and friends visit and was always ready with her familiar invitation to “move here, the weather’s great!” Gini was a member of Red Mountain United Methodist Church in Mesa.

Sunday afternoons were often spent playing games and cards with family and friends, with favorites such as Rummikub, 5 Crowns, and Minnesota Marbles. Gini had a fiercely competitive streak and definitely didn’t like to lose. If you were her partner, you had to keep your game face on at all times! These gatherings were about more than the games themselves; they were opportunities to spend time together, share laughter, and make memories.

Gini had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. Those who knew her appreciated her sharp observations and the laughter she brought to everyday moments. She enjoyed reading and could often be found with a book, enjoying some quiet time. One of her greatest comforts and companions was her beloved cat, Meiko, who held a very special place in her heart.

Gini is survived by her son, Brian Bierman of Redfield, SD; two daughters, Alissa (Craig) Nelson of Baltic, SD, and Kara (Mark) Roben of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren, Hannah, Alex, Andrew, Kaden, and Taylor; four great-grandchildren, Mia, Jonathon, Clara, and Emersyn; two sisters, Barbara (Terry) Taylor and Vicki (Gary) Berndt; and two brothers, Kevin (Sharon) Horning and Randy (Diane) Horning.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard, and her parents, Dale and Alyce Horning.

Gini will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her competitive spirit, and her unmistakable way of making life a little more fun. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Gini’s arrangements.