Harold Jolly Bierma

On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Harold Bierma passed away. He was 88 years old.

Harold was born March 22,1937 in Des Moines, Iowa, the youngest son of Ralph and Emily Bierma. He and his three siblings had the run of their large south-side backyard and neighborhood and enjoyed sharing stories of their adventures over the years. Harold attended Lincoln High School and then joined the army, where he was stationed in Chinon, France. He was able to travel in Europe and was introduced to early computers through the work he did there. After returning home he met his wife-to-be, Patricia Davis, at a church group for young adults and they married on July 8, 1961. Harold worked days at a gas station and attended Des Moines Area Community College at night to pursue his associate degree. After graduating he became a computer operator for the city of Des Moines where he worked the third shift for 30 years, keeping city departments, such as the police and fire department, up to date and informed through the night.

Family was a high priority for Harold. He would often stop at his elderly parent’s home after working all night to mow the lawn or help with other projects and was always there for his kids and grandkids. If you needed help changing a flat tire, a ride after school or someone to go to lunch with you could count on him to show up. In his spare time, he liked to play golf, attend classic car shows, watch movies and spend time with family. For the past 12 years Harold lived at Prairie Vista Village where he participated in many activities but especially enjoyed the annual summer fishing excursions and trips to the fair. He knew most of the staff and enjoyed sharing a laugh with them - he always had a “dad” joke to tell from his joke of the day calendar.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Patricia; his parents; and two of his siblings, Don and Shirley; as well as his son-in-law, Michael Ribbey.

He is survived by his daughter, Sheryl Ribbey, and his son, David Bierma and his wife, Christy. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Teague Ribbey, Katherine Caballero and her husband Aaron, Alec Bierma and his wife Simone, and Abbey Woodbeck and her husband Zach. He also leaves behind one great-granddaughter, Sophie Bierma. He is fondly remembered by his sister, Jeanette Davis, his sister-in-law, Bev Bierma, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 in the chapel at Prairie Vista Village, 2785 1st Avenue South, Altoona, Ia. with visitation from 10-11 a.m. A private family burial will be held at Rising Sun Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Prairie Vista Village at the above address, or to the Iowa Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 34024 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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