Service Information
A memorial service will be held in Coulterville, Illinois at a later date.
Obituary
George Henry Birchler was born January 20, 1948 in Sparta, Illinois to Robert Oliver and Gertrude (Woodside) Birchler and entered into rest on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the age of 74 years surrounded by family.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Jane Birchler and Cheri Kaye Birchler.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene Jane (Boenker) Birchler (m. December 29, 1970 in Youngstown, Ohio); four children: Jonathan (Keiko) Birchler, Daniel (Angela) Birchler, Timothy Birchler, and Heidi Birchler; three grandchildren: Kane, Nico, and Ren Birchler; one sister, Roberta (Birchler) Collison; five brothers: Sam (Roberta) Birchler, Larry Birchler, Ed (Betty) Birchler, Gerald (Donna) Birchler, Phillip (Debbie) Birchler; two sisters-in-law: Karen (Boenker) Keyes and Sheri Boenker; and many other relatives and friends.
George grew up and worked on his family’s farm through his high school and college years. After graduating from Sparta High School, he continued his education at Covenant College in Lookout Mt, Georgia and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George faithfully served in the Presbyterian Church of America as pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Pinellas Park, Florida, and Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church (now New Covenant) in Selma, Alabama. For the duration of his children's K-12 education, George worked as both an academic dean and teacher at Cono Christian School in Walker, Iowa. Following his retirement, George and Darlene moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, pastor, teacher and friend, George lived his life serving others. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved books, penguins, and a warm chocolate chip cookie. His congregants and students will remember him for having a good discussion and his dry sense of humor. George will be remembered as a quiet man of integrity whose steadfast wisdom has helped many. In the Bible, Hebrews 12: 1-2 states, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”. By God’s grace you have bravely run your race. Your family and friends love you. We will miss you and keep you in our hearts. We are so thankful you are now with the One who is your Comfort, Peace, and Rest.
In lieu of flowers, donations can go to Ridge Haven Organization/Cono Campus or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Ridgehaven donations can be submitted online at http://www.ridgehaven.org/donations or mailed to Ridge Haven, 215 Ridge Haven Road; Brevard, NC 28712. Please designate your donation to Cono- General. For the Parkinson’s Foundation, you can donate online at https://www.parkinson.org/ways-to-give. To donate in George’s memory, you can select Make a Tribute Gift.
Tommy Carr says
A good and gracious man, faithful servant of Christ and His Church, loyal friend and fellow laborer in our Lord’s vineyard. God bless and comfort you in this season of grief.
Hans and Gretchen Deutschmann says
Dear Darlene, Jonathan, Daniel, Timothy, Heidi, and extended family,
Our prayers will certainly be with you during this time of loss. We have so many good memories of our times together at Cono and also in Selma, AL, when you two served there at Woodland Heights Presbyterian Church. We so appreciated your support of our service in the Czech Republic.
George will always be remembered in our hearts and minds as a dedicated husband, father, pastor, teacher, Christian brother, and friend. May the Lord comfort, strengthen, and encourage you all, but especially you, Darlene.
With love, in the bonds of Christ,
Hans and Gretchen Deutschmann
“When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way.” – Ps.142:3
Darlene Birchler says
Dear Hans and Gretchen,
Thank you. My heart is breaking right now as it has been for some time but God gives strength and grace for each new day along with blessings of encouragement. Give my love to your family. You are all part of my treasured memories with George.
Dan & Liz Gardner says
May the Lord comfort you all at this time of loss. George was a dedicated teacher and pastor at Cono and dearly loved by students, staff, parents and friends. When George spoke you wanted to listen. He left a godly imprint on so many lives.
Sending love to Darlene, Jonathan, Daniel, Timothy and Heidi