Cornelius Dirnberger

BENTON, Mo. -- Cornelius Z. Dirnberger, 81, of Benton died Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born April 27, 1926, in Benton, son of Michael and Colletta LeGrand Dirnberger. He and Geneva Scherer Dirnberger were married Sept. 25, 1948, in Benton.

Dirnberger was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton. He served in the U.S. Army from Sept. 20, 1944, to Nov. 21, 1946. He was past commander of VFW Post 5368 in Morley, Mo. Dirnberger was a member of the American Legion for 30 years. He served with the Soil and Water Conservation Committee for 10 years. He was a lifelong resident of Benton and farmed in the Benton area for years.

Survivors include his wife of Benton; three sons, Paul Dirnberger, Ralph Dirnberger, both of Benton, Donald Dirnberger of Kelso, Mo.; a daughter, Doris Breymeyer of Benton; two sisters, Bernice Jansen of Cape Girardeau, LaVerne Wilhelm of Scott City; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a great-grandchild and a sister.

Friends may call from 3 to 8:30 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Benton Chapel; parish prayers are at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Denis Catholic Church, with the Rev. Normand Varone officiating.

Burial will be at St. Denis Church Cemetery with full military rites.