Jerome Allan Birren (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Jerome Allan Patrick Birren, son of Richard B. and Alice D. O’Neill Birren, was born April 3, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois. He departed this life Thursday, November 21, 2019, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years, seven months, and eighteen days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three daughters, Gloria, Jeri-Alice, and Sally; a step-daughter, Jamie; and a sister, Patricia Birren-Wilsey.
Jerry is survived by two daughters, Patty Marquez, of Nixa, Missouri, and Melissa Hoffman, of Poway, California; a son, Sean Birren, of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; a step-daughter, Amy Schatz Doubenmier; nine grandchildren, Andrea Marquez, Jessica Marquez, Kendyil Hoffman, Amber Hoffman, Anna Birren, Eliana Birren, Jacob Mezzacapa, Ryan Mezzacapa, and Sidney Mezzacapa; a great-grandchild, Lorenzo Rodriquez; four brothers, John Birren, of Lebanon, Missouri, Jim Birren, of San Diego, California, and Ricky Birren and Brian Birren; a sister, Becky Sue Hertel, of the State of Oregon; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Born in Chicago, Illinois - Jerry then spent his formidable years growing up on the farm in eastern Iowa. After his first year of high school, he moved to Torrance, California. Before his senior year at North High School in Torrance, Jerry entered the military and served four years faithfully in the United States Marine Corps as a radio operator from 1956 – 1962.
After the military, Jerry realized his passion for the outdoors when he began working with L.A. County’s Forestry Division of Highway Safety – where he remained until his return to the Midwest in the early 1970’s. By the mid 70’s, he began building many of his lifelong friendships within the Lebanon community – specifically his church community at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church – where he remained faithfully involved for 40+ years. As a church member, Jerry helped drive elderly parishioners to service, helped with meals on wheels, and helped keep the church’s Bennett Spring services running for many years by preparing the grounds for early morning service – among many other things. Until his passing, he remained active at church – helping around the church grounds in many capacities.
As a parent and grandparent, Jerry attended many milestones in the lives of his family. Including weddings, births, music recitals, dance competitions, soccer games, graduations, track meets, baptisms, first communions and confirmation. Jerry’s faith was always on display in the way that he gave of his time, resources and abilities to his friends. He made countless trips across town, across the state, and across the country to stay connected with them – showing love for those around him by being present in their lives. There was no bigger display of this love than the sacrifices he willingly made to care for his youngest girls – Jeri-Alice and Sally during their lifelong struggles with Cystic Fibrosis.
In his free time, Jerry loved being outdoors with his family, floating down a river, driving across the country, or just lounging outdoors. In his final days Jerry could still be found clearing his land of excess trees with the help of his younger neighbor. A testament to his knowledge that in life we can share Christ in giving and in receiving of help.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery or the Charley Hoffman Foundation by visiting www.CharleyHoffman.com. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Cystic Fibrosis in Jerome Birren's honor. Simply visit the website above, click on the red DONATE button in the top right corner. Please include a note or story about Jerome when you donate
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