Roy Arthur Biberdorf

Roy Arthur Biberdorf passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in British Columbia, Canada on June 23, 1935, he was currently residing in Maryville TN. He received his Master of Divinity in 1959 from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO and completed his CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) at St Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C. in 1980. Roy served several congregations in Minnesota, Indiana, Tennessee, and North Carolina. After retiring from the ministry, he then worked as a financial advisor for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Roy was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and former member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He was deeply rooted in his faith and believed in loving all without judgment. He was passionate about fairness and justice and wanted everyone treated equally. Roy, aka Beeb, Opa, or Bepa, enjoyed time with family whether it be hiking in the mountains, watching the sunrise at the beach or sharing his recipes and joy for cooking and eating! He is preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Don and Ralph Biberdorf and sister Joan Nenow. 

He is survived by his spouse Valerie Biberdorf, sister Marilyn Hellewege (Allen) daughters Lori Burnett (John), Vicki Satterthwaite (Marc), Keri Shore (Brian), bonus daughter, Meredith Hough, 10 grandchildren—Kevin Burnett, Katie Burnett Gagley and Ryan Burnett, Ben Satterthwaite and Lindsey Satterthwaite Epley, Noah and Karah Shore, Matthew, Marie and Macy Hough, 8 great-grandchildren-- Rylen, Reese, RJ, Charlotte, Ella, Easton, Knox and Babs and many nieces and nephews whom he shared his smile and contagious laugh. 

A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Knoxville on Sunday, June 1, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran World Relief or any charity of choice.