Leo Lynn Birgy

Leo Lynn Birgy, 67, of South Boardman, succumbed to cancer at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, June 17, 2013. Leo was born August 17, 1945 in Petoskey, the seventh and youngest child of his loving mother Elsie and father Leo Birgy. Leo grew up in the Fife Lake area and married the love of his life Bertha Ann Stone on February 1, 1964. Together they moved to the Detroit area where Leo began his career as a Brick and Stone Mason working for the Brick Layers Union Local #26 and started their family. In 1976 Leo and Bertha moved their family back to South Boardman, and continued to work locally as a Mason, eventually establishing Leo Birgy Masonry working with his nephews and friends, retiring in 2002. Leo enjoyed fishing, hunting, his cabin in Canada, vintage cars and winter get-aways out west with his wife. He found joy in watching sports, especially the “Tiggers.” Family was most important to Leo, he loved getting together for family functions and spending time with them. He found joy in helping family and friends in any way he could. He was a man deeply loved in his community because of his smile and generosity. Leo was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. Leo will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Leo is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Bertha Ann Birgy; his loving daughters Kaylynn (Duane) Rickenberg, Barbara (Chris) Birgy Arnold; his brothers and sister-in-laws Gerald & Lillian Birgy, Michael & Margaret Birgy, John & Ruth Birgy, Alan & Kay Birgy; his sweet granddaughter Shelby (David) Moore; and many nieces and nephews. Leo was preceded in death by his parents Elsie and Leo Birgy and his sisters Beverly Webb and Sharon “Chickie” Melchert. Visitation will be on Friday, June 21st from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and on Saturday, June 22nd from 10-11am at Kalkaska Funeral Home, 152 S. Cedar St., Kalkaska. A celebration of his life will take place in the Chapel of Kalkaska Funeral Home on Saturday, June 22nd at 11:00 AM. Terry Birgy will officiate. Burial will follow in Boardman Township Cemetery with a luncheon at the American Legion in Fife Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Leo Lynn Birgy

August 17, 1945 - June 17, 2013