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BORN
1926
DIED
2011
Leo Birkner Obituary
Leo Oscar Birkner, 84, of New Athens, Ill., born Aug. 19, 1926, in Hecker, Ill., died Sunday, June 12, 2011, in St. Louis,Mo.
Mr. Birkner was a lifelong farmer. He served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 and in the Army Reserves until 1956, achieving the rank of Sgt. 1st Class. He earned many awards, but was especially proud of his Purple Heart. He enjoyed four-wheeling, cards, polka dances, hunting, hogging fish, family, and friends. He was a former member of St. Augustine Church in Hecker, Ill., the Hecker Sportsman Club, the Red Bud VFW and was a member of St. Clair County Farm Bureau.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar J. and Appolonia, nee Kreher, Birkner; first wife, Shirley J., nee Chaffin, Birkner, whom he married June 3, 1953 and who died June 6, 1973; his second wife, Anetha M., nee Bequette, Birkner, whom he married June 2, 1975 and died July 10, 2008; sisters, Irma Lehr and Muriel Langenstein; and brothers, Gilbert and Louis (in infancy) Birkner
Surviving are his children, Dona (Larry) Toenjes, Lee (Linda) Birkner, Linda (Gerald) Grahlherr, Gary (Patty) Birkner, Patty (Kevin Martin) Brinkmann, Dale Birkner, Fay (Gary) Skaer, Marilyn Brinkmann, Keith (DeDe) Brinkmann, Kathleen (Curt) Middendorf, Nora (Roger) Hartmann, Tom (Tammy) Brinkmann, Gail (Benny) Cockrell, Louis (Tammy) Birkner, Gary (Debbie) Brinkmann, Carl (Michelle) Birkner and Theresa (Jay) Gonstal; 42 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Allan (MaryLou) Birkner; sister-in-law, Hedwig Birkner; numerous family & friends
A prideful man with hands so strong.
Could stay on this earth just so long.
Your work is done - A new life for you has begun.
Now lay your working hands to rest.
We're going to miss our Dad - cause he was the best!
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association or the donor's choice.
www. quernheimfuneralhome.com
Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011, and from 8 to 9:15 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011, at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, Ill.
Funeral: Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Paderborn, Ill., with Father James Voelker officiating. Interment in St. Augustine Cemetery, Hecker, Ill.
QUERNHEIM FUNERAL HOME, Waterloo, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leo Birkner
Philip legendre
December 28, 2023
Leo was one of the most honest people I have known. He did not give up. May he rest in peace.
DONNA VAN BUREN REUSS
June 23, 2011
Dona and family so sorry to hear about your Dad.
Phil & Vivian Yawitz
June 17, 2011
Tammy,Louie,Kelsey and Kaylee, our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Sheryl & Jack Williams
June 16, 2011
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
The Stitzel Family
June 15, 2011
We only met Leo once and in that short visit it was easy to tell he lived a happy life. He is in a better place than the rest of us & he will continue to be in all of your hearts forever. He has left a long legacy to carry on. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Charlotte & Bob Gutjahr
June 15, 2011
So sorry for your loss Carl, Michelle and Teresa...we will keep your families in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Schreiber
June 15, 2011
My heart goes out to the Birkner family.
Home Instead Senior Care
June 15, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Birkner family during this time. Leo was a character! He will be missed.
Rita Hubbs
June 15, 2011
To the Birkner Family:
May God bless you all at this sad time. Hold your memories of your Father close to your heart and he will forever be with you...
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