Richard "Dick" Dirnberger

Claude Richard "Dick" Dirnberger, 77, of Cape Girardeau, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2011. He was born January 25, 1934 in New Hamburg, Mo. to Claude William and Rebecca Brock Dirnberger. He and Mary Jo Ferrell Dirnberger were married August 7, 1954 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, Mo. She preceded him in death September 23, 2007. Dick graduated from Benton High School and Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He worked for Drury Inns, Inc. for 31 years and retired as a vice president. He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and was very involved in his Catholic faith community. He co-chaired the St. Mary's Building Drive for the new school, was a radio mass commentator, and served on the parish council. At Notre Dame High School, he filled the roles of School Board President and Booster Club President. Dick was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1111, Thomas A. Langen Assembly, Fourth Degree, and Elk's Lodge #639, In addition, he was the St. Francis Auxiliary Treasurer and his duties included installing Lifelines for the Auxiliary. Survivors include four sons, Paul, Steve (Charlotte), and Mark Dirnberger of Cape Girardeau, and John (Cathy) Dirnberger of St. Charles, Mo.; three brothers, David Dirnberger of New Hamburg, Mo., Andrew Dirnberger of Benton, Mo., Glen Dirnberger of Cape Girardeau; three sisters, Lois Spalding and Vera Ann Henneman of Benton, Mo., Janet Vetter of Commerce, Mo.; 13 grandchildren, Destiny, Brock, Mariah, Rita Jo, Abraham, Audrey, Samuel, Mary, Christopher, Amanda, Tyler, Nicholas, and Adam Dirnberger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude William and Rebecca Dirnberger; and wife, Mary Jo Dirnberger. Friends may call 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home. Parish Prayers will be at 7:00 PM with Knights of Columbus Rosary immediately following. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at St. Mary Cathedral with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary's Building Fund or Notre Dame Education Fund Foundation.

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Richard "Dick" Dirnberger

December 18, 2011