Dick Dirnberger

Claude Richard "Dick" Dirnberger, 77, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011.

He was born Jan. 25, 1934, in New Hamburg, Mo., to Claude William and Rebecca Brock Dirnberger. He and Mary Jo Ferrell were married Aug. 7, 1954, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg. She preceded him in death Sept. 23, 2007.

Dick graduated from Benton High School and received a bachelor of science in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University.

He worked for Drury Inns Inc. 31 years, retiring as a vice president. He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral and was very involved in his Catholic faith community. He co-chaired St. Mary's Building Drive for the new school, was a radio Mass commentator and served on the parish council. At Notre Dame Regional 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 member of Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge 639. He was Saint 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, Andrew Dirnberger of Benton, Mo., and Glen Dirnberger of Cape Girardeau; three sisters, Lois Spalding and Vera Ann Henneman of Benton, and 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 from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., with Knights of Columbus rosary immediately following.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Cathedral, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary's Building Fund or Notre Dame Education Fund Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.