Richard C. Birkenmeier

Richard Charles Birkenmeier, 87, of Archbold, Ohio died Friday evening, February 3, 2017 at Genacross Lutheran Home, Napoleon, Ohio. He was born January 27, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Leo Birkenmeier and Ruth (Brown) Birkenmeier-Alderfer. He moved to Caro, Michigan at the age of 8 when he lost his father. He married Adeline Pederson in Mayville, Michigan on October 14, 1951. Richard was employed at Universal Engineering (Houdi) in Frankenmuth, Michigan for 41 years, retiring in 1992. After living in the Birch Run and Frankenmuth, Michigan area for 58 years, he moved to Archbold, Ohio in 2010 to be closer to his daughter's family. In his earlier years, his hobbies included traveling, gardening, fishing and keeping a beautiful lawn. He was a long time member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church of Frankenmuth, Michigan where he was confirmed on December 29, 1968 and later served as elder, usher and cared for the shrubs. He was currently a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Deshler, Ohio. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Adeline; daughter, Nancy (Tim) Avery, Defiance, Ohio; grandson, Jeremy (Rachel) Avery, East Canton, Ohio; great grandson, Devin Avery; sister, Norma Johnson, Flint, Michigan; brother, Clifford "Tom" Alderfer, Caro, Michigan; and in-laws, Alice Hebner, Alabama; Jackie Pederson, Jeanetta Birkenmeier and Frank Johnson, all of Michigan. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Oliver, Harold, Leo and Irving Birkenmeier; sister, Betty Ann Johnson; and step brothers, Paul and Robert Chambers and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation services will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 9 at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Peter Heyn officiating. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, Michigan with Pastor Jeffrey Luplow officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Hospice, Peace Lutheran Church or St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Richard C. Birkenmeier

January 27, 1930 - February 3, 2017