He was born Aug. 7, 1916, in Hillsboro, Ill., to Jacob and Estella Birzele.

Mr. Birzele is survived by one son, Dr. Dean (Peggy) Birzele of Elkhart; two grandchildren, Angie (Phil) Williams of Dexter, Mich., and Jeff Birzele of Chicago; two great-grandchildren, Meagan and Ellie Williams, with their parents in Dexter; two nieces, Helen Livingston and Rose Haggerty, both of Bayonet Point, Fla.; and two nephews, Gerald Anderson of Bennett, N.C., and Allen Anderson of Whitewater, Wis.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Jake Birzele; and four sisters, Cleo Reed, Thelma Birzele, Imolle Anderson and Lena Klotfelter.

A private family visitation will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, which is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Girard Cemetery, Girard, Ill.

Mr. Birzele was a contractor and home builder in the Hillsboro area for many years, and also did inspections for new construction in Springfield, Ill., and Davis, Calif. He was a graduate of Hillsboro High School and a World War II U.S. Navy veteran who served on the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. He enjoyed gardening, carpentry and making cabinets.

Memorials may be given to Elkhart Veterans Cemetery Board in care of Elkhart Community Bank, 303 S. Third St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.