Ray Berkbigler

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Ray Edward Berkbigler, 86, of Perryville died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, at Independence Care Center of Perry County.

He was born June 28, 1933, in Apple Creek, Missouri, to Andrew and Regina Buchheit Berkbigler. He and Myra K. Blechle were married May 25, 1963. She survives in Perryville.

Ray had been a carpenter, building custom-crafted staircases. He was a member of St. Maurus Catholic Church in Biehle, Missouri; American Legion Post 133; and Carpenters Union in St. Louis. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He loved to fish and hunt. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues.

Other survivors include his daughter, Linda (Michael) Rohde of Perryville; son, David (Jennifer) Berkbigler of Wentzville, Missouri; sister, Etta (James) Basler of Arnold, Missouri; brother, Vernon (Pat) Berkbigler of Perryville; grandchildren, Kory Rohde, Kyle (Hannah) Rohde, Louis, Frank and Anna Berkbigler; and great-grandson due in June.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold and Bennett Berkbigler; and two sons, Mark and Jeffrey Berkbigler.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 6:30 to 9:15 a.m. Saturday at Ford and Young Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Maurus Catholic Cemetery in Biehle, with the Rev. Jim French officiating. Burial, with military graveside honors by American Legion Post 133 and Delta Team, will be at the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Maurus in Biehle or St. Joseph in Apple Creek.

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