Rev. Dr. David D. Biberstein

Rev. Dr. David D. Biberstein, 80, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Wednesday evening, October 23, 2024, at Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on August 27, 1944, in Berne, Indiana to the late Alton and Esther (Sprunger) Biberstein. In 1962, Dave entered the Freshman Class at Fort Wayne Bible College.  Following graduation in 1966, Dave studied in Israel & taught in Uganda for nine months.  Dave & Joleen (née Herman) were then married on August 12, 1967. In 1970, he graduated with a Masters of Divinity Degree and the Missionary Church asked them to teach at Jamaica Theological Seminary in Kingston, Jamaica.  From 1970 to 1974, Dave taught 18 different classes and pastored the Grace Missionary Church for over two years. From 1974 to 1978, Dave served as pastor at West York Missionary Church in York, Pennsylvania.  From there, Dave pastored at Grace Missionary Church in Celina, Ohio from 1978 to 1982. It was during this time that he also accepted a position as Director of Pastoral Ministries at Fort Wayne Bible College from 1982 to 2008. Dave also enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and completed his Doctor of Ministry Program in 1990.  In 1990, Dave and Joleen moved to Columbia City.  He served as pastor at First Missionary Church in Berne, Indiana from 1988 to 1992 and Aboite Missionary Church from 1992 to 2000. After 2000, he served on several interim pastoral positions.  Dave was on staff at Pathway Community Church in Fort Wayne investing his energy in encouraging their senior citizens as well as those who are ill or hospitalized until his retirement in 2020.

Dave enjoyed spending time with his wife walking, gardening, reading, watching videos together, and traveling.  They have traveled to every state and have been to Israel, Europe, and of course the Caribbean.  He had a passion for music and had collected over 3,000 vinyl albums.  In the world of sports, Dave enjoyed cheering on The Chicago Bears, Indiana Hoosiers, and the San Francisco Giants.

He is survived by his wife, Joleen Rae Biberstein of Columbia City, Indiana; son, Thaddeus Biberstein of Columbia City, Indiana; son, Dathan (Jesmia Avery) Biberstein of Manor, Texas; granddaughter, Josie Biberstein of Columbia City, Indiana; sister, Beeb (Dan) Study of Spencerville, Indiana; sister-in-law, Rhina Biberstein of Berne, Indiana; and sister-in-law, Pat Biberstein.

Dave was preceded in death by a sister, Elsie Rigdon; brother, Robert Biberstein; sister, Nancy Neuenschwander; and brother, Ken Biberstein.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 1, 2024, at the First Missionary Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Rick Schwartz and Pastor Ray Hylton officiating. Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne, Indiana.

The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the First Missionary Church in Berne, Indiana.

Preferred memorials can be given to First Missionary Church.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana