Charles Merrill Bierfeld

 

1943–2026

 

Charles Merrill Bierfeld passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family.

 

Born in Highland Park, Illinois, Charles earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University in 1966, where he was an active and proud member of the Upsilon Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. A dedicated student, he was inducted into Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Pi Mu, engineering honor societies in recognition of his academic excellence. Charles later earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law in 1969. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas later that year, beginning a distinguished legal career dedicated to public service.

 

Charles devoted nearly four decades to the City of Dallas, joining the Dallas City Attorney’s Office in 1970 and serving until his retirement in 2009. During his distinguished career, he rose to the rank of First Assistant City Attorney, where he led the legal work on many of Dallas’ most significant civic projects. His work included DFW International Airport, Dallas City Hall, the Dallas Convention Center expansions (Phases I and II), the Dallas Arts District Garage and Meyerson Symphony Center, the Dallas Downtown Arena District and American Airlines Center, Love Field aviation matters, including the legal work surrounding the repeal of the Wright Amendment, the Lake Fork water rights acquisition, and numerous other complex municipal projects. He also represented the Dallas–Fort Worth Regional Airport Board in high-profile federal aviation litigation. Although much of his work was performed behind the scenes, his legal expertise helped build many of the institutions, infrastructure, and landmarks that continue to define Dallas today.

 

Charles developed formidable expertise in aviation law, municipal law, real estate, construction, contracts, and public finance. He was widely respected throughout the legal community for his keen intellect, professionalism, integrity, dry sense of humor, calm demeanor, and generous mentorship. Many attorneys relied upon his wisdom, careful guidance, and steady counsel, and his influence extended far beyond the projects he helped make possible.

 

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Charles’ greatest joy was the life he built with his family. He shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Rone, and was a devoted father to his son, Jason, and daughter, Jordan. He also shared an extraordinary lifelong bond with his identical twin brother, Dr. James Bierfeld, whose friendship remained one of the defining relationships of his life.

 

Charles and Rone shared a lifelong love of dogs, beginning with the poodle they received as a wedding gift and continuing throughout their years together. Their dogs were cherished members of the family and brought Charles comfort and companionship throughout his life. Even during his final days, photos of his beloved dogs remained close by, a quiet reminder of one of life’s greatest joys.

 

Though private by nature, those who knew Charles best appreciated his humility, steadfast character, unwavering loyalty, gentle wit, and deep devotion to those he loved.

 

Charles was preceded in death by his sister, Lillian Keenan.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rone Bierfeld; his son, Jason Bierfeld; his daughter, Jordan Bierfeld; his identical twin brother, Dr. James Bierfeld; his sister, Eleanor Hesse; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, and former colleagues.

 

In accordance with his wishes, Charles was laid to rest in Forest Park, Illinois, beside his parents, returning home to rest with the family who shaped his early life.

 

A Celebration of Life honoring Charles will be held in Dallas at a later date. Family, friends, and former colleagues wishing to attend are invited to email RememberingCharlesBierfeld@gmail.com to receive details once arrangements have been finalized.

 

Charles leaves behind an enduring legacy in both the city he faithfully served and the family he loved. His nearly four decades of public service helped shape Dallas, while his integrity, humility, loyalty, and quiet devotion shaped the lives of those closest to him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.