NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Paul Michael Dirnberger Sr., 74, of New Hamburg passed away Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at his family home.

He was born Oct. 27, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, the son of the late Oscar Michael and Anna Lucille Heisserer Dirnberger. He married Frances Ann Scheffer on July 14, 1962, and she survives of the home.

Paul started farming after graduation. He farmed in Scott, Cape Girardeau and Stoddard counties until his retirement in 2005. He lived on the family farm all his life. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg. Paul belonged to the Men's Society of St. Lawrence and he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4311. He was a 3rd degree member.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Frances Dirnberger; four sons, Paul (Tammy) Dirnberger Jr. of Jackson, John (Susan) Dirnberger of Oran, Missouri, Ray Dirnberger of Cape Girardeau and Phillip (Denise) Dirnberger of Oran; four daughters, Alice (Roger Sr.) Berkbuegler of Biehle, Missouri, Sandra (Steve) Moore of St. Mary, Missouri, Trina (Randy) Tankersley of Perkins, Missouri, and Gail (Adam Sr.) DuBois of Jackson; a brother, Bernard (Beverly) Dirnberger of Cape Girardeau; a sister Helen Holmes of Jackson; 15 grandchildren, Michelle (Ben) Buchanan, Jennifer (Justin) Bader, Michael Dirnberger, Erica Brown, Brittany Dirnberger, Courtney Dirnberger, Gabe Dirnberger, Jonah Dirnberger, Roger Berkbuegler Jr., Ashley Berkbuegler, Andrew Moore, Sarah Moore, Lydia Tankersley, Adam DuBois Jr. and Greyson DuBois; and one great-grandchild, Vienna Buchanan.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. Monday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, with rosary at 7 p.m. and Knights of Columbus prayer service at 7:15 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Michael Casteel officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of services.