Leo Glenn Birkel, of Seward, was born June 10, 1949, to Thomas and Betty (Martin) Birkel in David City.
He graduated from David City Aquinas Catholic High School in 1968. On Oct. 5, 1970, Leo was united in marriage to Betty Garhart in York. Leo was a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and he also umpired. In his free time, he enjoyed watching sports. He especially liked being outside gardening, listening to birds and watching squirrels. Leo passed away July 29, 2023, in Lincoln, at the age of 74 years.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Birkel of Seward; children, Bonnie (Doug) Luethke of Milford, Mike (Bobbie Jo) Birkel of Garland, and Joshua Birkel of Seward; grandchildren, Joey and Emily Birkel, Racquel Luethke, Alex Birkel, Chase Birkel, Dustin Luethke, Caine Birkel, Leo Birkel Bailey and Alando Birkel; great-grandchildren, James and Liam Birkel and baby girl Birkel expected in October; siblings, Pat (Kerwin) Brown of Metamora, Illinois, Don Birkel of Rising City, Marty (Susan) Birkel of Bellwood, Deb (Jim) Litchfield of Wakefield, Sandy (Terry) Litchfield of Colorado, and Bob (Teresa) Birkel of Dwight. Leo was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Birkel; parents, Tom and Betty Birkel; and siblings, Virginia Birkel and Steve Birkel.
A signing of the remembrance book will be Thursday, Aug. 3, from 1 – 5 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home. The funeral service is Friday, Aug. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church with inurnment at the Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
