William Birkemeyer

William Bill Birkemeyer, 75, of rural Sleepy Eye, MN died on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at his home. William Bill Birkemeyer was born on January 14, 1933 on the family farm North West of Sleepy Eye the son of Matt Anita (Christensen) Birkemeyer. He attended country school in Brookville Township before entering the Air Force. He served from September 5, 1951 until he retired in 1971. Most of his career he was stationed in Portland, OR and he also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He received a good conduct medal and also a Korean and Vietnam National Defense Medal. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Jones on August 5, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Sleepy Eye. After Bill's military career they returned to Sleepy Eye in 1971 and Bill worked for the St. Mary's and Public Schools as head custodian for about eleven years. He was a life member of the V.F.W. in Morgan. Bill enjoyed fishing, woodworking, do-it-yourself projects and especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn of Sleepy Eye, children, Steven (Julie) of Minnesota Lake, Vicky (Jim) Hacker of Sleepy Eye, Timothy (Sheila) of Morgan, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, siblings, Agnes (Harold) Mielke of Morgan, Hank (Lois) of Comfrey and Mary Ann (Ed) Koski of Princeton, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents, uncles, Claremont, Clarence, Richard and Earl Birkemeyer.