Leonard William Birkel was born June 30, 1925 at Rural Burke to William and Pauline (Leibel) Birkel and he died May 11, 2007 at the Burke Hospital at the age of 81 years, 10 months and 11 days.

He attended Holmes School, two miles west of Burke and graduated from Burke High School in 1943. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country in World War II and was involved in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He attained the rank of Electricians Mate Second Class.

After his discharge in 1946 Leonard returned to the Burke area and began farming and feeding cattle with his dad and was later joined by his brother where they continued to farm in the Burke area for 49 years. Leonard retired from farming in 1995 and moved to Burke in 2001. He enjoyed reading, playing cards with his friends at Whispering Pines and visiting with his family and friends.

Leonard was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke and also served on the church council. He was also a Chartered Life Time member of the Burke VFW and a member of the Bonesteel American Legion.

Although Leonard had no children of his own, he touched the lives of his nephews and nieces and their children, who loved him and became his family. He loved life and took pleasure in the simple things. Leonard had a great sense of humor, which made him a joy to be around.

Leonard is survived by two sisters; Helen (Bob) Rowan of Mills NE, Delores (Ralph) Kirsch of Sun City, AZ one brother; Delbert (JoAnn) Birkel of Bonesteel SD and nine nieces and nephews and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pauline Birkel; one brother Edward Birkel and one nephew Steve Rowan.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a rosary on Monday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to both of the services at the church.