Richard Birkel

Richard John Birkel was born Oct 2nd, 1931 in Rock Elm WI to Peter & Theresia Janisch Birkel. He passed away June 30, 2014. He was the 2nd of 5 sons (Peter, Gilbert, Roger and Jim). The family moved to Oregon when Richard was a child and Hillsboro became his home. Richard served in the U.S. Army during and after the Korean War and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was an avid and successful hunter and loved to garden and cut his own firewood. He was in Construction and had his own home building company for 40 years. He was very proud of his workmanship and the quality of the many homes he built. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He married his wife of 61 years (Dorene Rae Barnes) on October 31, 1952. He is survived by his wife Dorene and children Randy, Lorilee and Loretta. He had 9 grandchildren (1 deceased) and 6 great grand children. When all is said and done, he truly lived a full and active life.