Edward Birkner

WASHINGTON – Edward F. "Snooks" Birkner, 84, of Washington, Illinois, passed away on November 21, 2025, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, after a brief illness.
He was born on February 11, 1941, in Worth Township in Woodford County, to Edward and Lenora Birkner. Ed married Juanita Smith on April 28, 1962, in Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Norman, Raymond, Willard; sister, Anna Margaret; and his son, Brad.
Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Juanita; daughters, Trina (Nick) Jack of Morton and Angela (Tim) McElyea of East Peoria; grandchildren, Kyle and Allyson McElyea and Alistair Jack. Also surviving are his sister, Isabelle "Sis" Lyons of East Peoria and numerous wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ed was a 1960 graduate of Morton High School.
He worked for Rocke's Meating Haus for 8 years in the late 70s to early 80s as a butcher and a welder for Caterpillar for 30 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish for 63 years.
Ed enjoyed everything outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, golfer, and hunter. You could always find him mowing a lawn and chatting with neighbors. He never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a wonderful, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and son. Ed will be greatly missed and will always live in our hearts.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. officiated by Fr. John Steffen. A visitation will be held at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Further visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.
We would like to thank the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home and all the staff for their wonderful care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Richard L. Owen's Hospice Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Birkner, please visit our floral store.