VERNON BIRGENHEIR

Obituary Vernon Birgenheir
Vernon Frank “Bergie” Birgenheir, passed from this life to new Life, at his home, on Monday, March 21, 2022. Vernon was born at Gladstone, North Dakota to his parents George & Sophie (Haydu) Bergenheier on December 8, 1935. Early in his childhood his family moved to rural Lemmon, South Dakota where he grew up and worked on the farm alongside his parents, three brothers and four sisters.

Vernon is survived by his sons, Michael (Linda), David (Dianne) and by his daughters Debbie Hodsdon (Steve) and Lori (Bill) Schnetzler. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicholas, Luke, Denis, Philip, Evan, Thomas, Kelsey, Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn, and by great grandchildren, Valentino, Vincent, Vance, Aiden, Brooklynn and Lincoln. Vernon was predeceased by his parents and brothers Harry, Donald, Joseph. He is survived by his sisters, Eleanor, Lorraine, Pauline, Josephine.

Vernon graduated from high school in Lemmon SD and shortly afterward joined the Air Force in Aug ‘56 as a mechanized data processor for AF personnel. He remained in personnel for his entire 21-year career. His first assignment was at Chanute AFB, IL, then to Lackland AFB, TX, Kadena AFB Okinawa, Travis AFB, CA, Scott AFB, IL, U-Tapao Thailand during the Vietnam conflict, Brooks AFB, TX, Hanscom AFB, MA and finally to Edwards AFB, CA where he retired at 21 years. Vernon made the highest enlisted rank of CMSGT at 15 years in service. He was promoted to Command Chief at Hanscom AFB as well as Edwards AFB. He maintained the ultimate AF standards. He then became the Chief of Services at Edwards, along with mortuary officer and was on the search and recovery team. He was awarded the Chief of Services of the Year award x 4 years of the entire Air Force. Following on from there, he retired from Civil Service in 1997.

Vernon married the love of his life, Marie Davanzo, in 1956. For 64 years they were nearly inseparable. They set a most beautiful example of a loving marriage and family life. They were never apart, and both enjoyed the same activities. Sadly, Marie became deceased on May 25, 2021. Vernon’s broken heart remained full of love for her.
As a very active member of Knights of Columbus in Lancaster, Vern’s many volunteer hours included calling BINGO as well as selling thousands of pull-tabs, all proceeds going to charity.

Rosary/Visitation will be held on Monday, March 28 between 4 & 8 p.m. at Halley-Olsen-Murphy on Cedar Street in Lancaster. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 29 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 565 W. Kettering St., Lancaster. Graveside prayer service and burial will follow Mass. Immediately afterward, all are invited to gather for food and fellowship at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Avenue M, Lancaster.