Richard E. Birner

Birner, Richard E.''Dick'' USAR Ret. Col. Died peacefully at home on July 31, 2006 , Age 71.Devoted and beloved husband of Patricia Jane (Nee Demski) with whom he celebrated 50 years of bliss on May 12, 2006. Loving and treasured ''Unky'' of Janice (John) Bellman, James, John (Cheryl) and Robert (Denise) Wagner. Dear brother-in-law of Eugene Wagner. Loving great uncle of Shawn (Jamie) Geiger, Lisa Geiger, Kristin, Kelly, Kyle, Derek and Reece Wagner. Grand uncle of Kahlyn Gieger. Brother of Leonard (Dorothy) Birner, Patsy (Lowell) Koehler, Joyce ( Syl ) Kontowicz , Joan (Ted) Borkowski, Carol (Robert) Mutz and Barb (Tom) Palokonis. Also survived by many other relatives, friends and dog nephew Waldo the sheltie. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth (Nee Dolle) and Mathias Birner; parents-in-law Verna and Ray Demski; Sister-In-Law Christine Demski Wagner and beloved dog Colonel. A 1952 graduate of Pulaski High School, he earned his Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1956 where he pledged to Chi Epsilon fraternity. Dick was Operations Manager at the Milwaukee Sewage Commission’s Jones Island Wastewater Treatment Plant until his retirement in 1995. He also retired as Full Bird Colonel with the U.S. Army Reserves serving as Battalion Commander with the 961st Engineer Battalion in Milwaukee and retired as Chief of Staff of the 336 Transportation Command based in Fort Sheridan, Illinois in 1994. Dick was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Southridge Athletic Club, Professional Engineering Association and IMI. Dick’s memorable strength of Spirit and kindness, shown, will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and especially those who loved him. ''Now cracks a noble heart.Good night sweet Prince and flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest'' (Wm. Shakespeare)