Ralph Frederic Bieser, who had been a resident of Elk Rapids for 26 years and at one time village assessor, died Monday morning, June 3, at the Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, following a long illness. He was 84.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred Borneman Bieser, whom he married in Elk Rapids May 29, 1965. They had resided at 846 Miller Park, Elk Rapids. Also surviving are a daughter, Ruth Klein; two grandchildren; a sister, Noreen Bremer of Studio City, Calif.; and two brothers, Leslie Bieser, also of Studio City, and, Frank Bieser of Miami Shores, Fla.

Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Dorothy (Bierwith) Bieser, and two sisters, Georgia Flynn and Inez Kolath, both formerly of Chicago. Mr. Bieser was born in Mendota, Ill., on Feb. 17, 1890.

He lived in Chicago until 26 years ago when he retired from his Job as the wire chief for Hornblower and Weeks; and moved to Elk Rapids. He had been the wire chief for 27 years. Mr. Bieser was a life member of the Elk Rapids Lodge No. 275, F and A.M. and past secretary of the lodge. He was also a member of the Elk Rapids Senior Citizens Club. For many years he served as the village assessor for Elk Rapids.

During World War I, he was a non-commissioned officer with the U. S. Army, a Master Signal Electrician with the 415th R. R. TEL Battalion, and was with the A.E.F. in France.

A ham radio operator since 1939, Mr. Bieser belonged to the American Radio Relay League and to the Quarter; Century Club. His call letters were W8ZLK, Masonic services for Mr. Bieser will be 1 p.m. Thursday, June 6, at the Dockery-Wilhelm-Smith Funeral Home, Elk Rapids, under the auspices of the Elk Rapids Lodge No. 275. Past Grand Master Robert Hockstad and the Rev. L, E. Tenhopea will officiate.

Burial will follow in Maple Grove, Cemetery, Elk Rapids. Friends may call at the funeral home 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Memorials may be directed to the Bieser Memorial Educational Foundation, Envelopes for the memorials may be picked up at the funeral home or may be sent to James A. Bieser, 2963 N. Seventieth St., Milwaukee, Wise. 53210.