Gerald Dirnberger

ORAN, Mo. -- Gerald "Jerry" Dirnberger, 72, of Oran died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 11, 1937, at Oran, son of Arthur George and Evelyn Sietmann Dirnberger. He and Carol Stoverink of Gordonville were married Sept. 10, 1966, at Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson.

Jerry helped his dad on the farm; drove a delivery truck for Montgomery Ward of Cape Girardeau from 1966 to 1968; worked for Scott County Milling Co. of Oran from 1968 to 1977; worked for Cargill Inc. of Oran from 1977 to 1979; was co-owner and operator with Buster Bollinger of Bee Jay Supply of Oran from 1979 to 1980; was owner and operator of Dirnberger Feed Store of Oran from 1980 to 1999, retiring in 1999. He served as an alderman with the city of Oran more than 10 years.

He was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church and the Men's Sodality, and Knights of Columbus Council 4311.

Jerry's hobbies were the guitar and the love of music. For well over 20 years he and his brother, Lenny, provided music for public dances, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas parties, etc. The most recent event was the Guardian Angel Church wine and cheese party Jan. 24, 2010.

His most favorite pastime was playing music with Lenny for a couple of hours almost daily. He was an avid gardener, loved raising a variety of vegetables and fruits, especially watermelon and cantaloupe. He loved small engine repair and loved the challenge of fixing a difficult repair. He also loved playing cards Sunday evenings with his Aunt Viola Dirnberger, Wilma Metz, Don Vance, Harold Landewee, Larry Eftink, as well as with others who filled in occasionally. Jerry also had a great love for animals.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Donna (Mark) Beger of Ballwin, Mo., Janis (P.J.) Lacy; three grandchildren, Amanda Gosche, Hannah Lacy and Jordan Lacy; a brother, Lenard (Camilla) Dirnberger, all of Oran; a nephew, Daniel (Carrie) Dirnberger of Chicago; and several nieces and nephews by marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be after 4 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran. Parish prayers will be at 5, followed by Knights of Columbus prayer service at 5:15.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guardian Angel Church, with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop officiating. Burial will be in Guardian Angel Church Cemetery.