Leon David Birkholz passed away with his family by his side on December 6, 2013 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born on February 23, 1947 in Appleton to Vernon and Doris (Bartlein) Birkholz, the oldest of thirteen children. Lee married Paula M. Thiel on May 15, 1970 in Sherwood, Wisconsin. They spent 43 years…
Continue ReadingLeon David Birkholz passed away with his family by his side on December 6, 2013 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born on February 23, 1947 in Appleton to Vernon and Doris (Bartlein) Birkholz, the oldest of thirteen children. Lee married Paula M. Thiel on May 15, 1970 in Sherwood, Wisconsin. They spent 43 years together in Appleton raising three sons.
Lee graduated from Appleton High School in 1965 and worked at Appleton Papers (Appvion) for 40 years as a truck driver. Over the years, he was a member of Sacred Heart and St. Bernadette Parishes. Lee was a reflective and private person preferring to remember the good in people. As a 43 year active member of the YMCA, he demonstrated a healthy lifestyle. His interest in sports began when he was on the first Appleton Little League team. He played on various baseball and basketball teams until he started following his sons' and grandchildren's sporting events and activities. His running and biking days turned into hiking and meditation time at various parks. Lee was an avid reader of historical non-fiction and enjoyed a good game of chess. His strength of spirit and focus on family was unwavering.
He is survived by his wife Paula (Thiel); sons David (Tracey), Matthew and Nathan (Meredith Mason); four grandchildren Jordan Olk, Taylor and Jaxon Birkholz, and William Birkholz; brothers William (Barbara), Robert (Kathryn), Vernon Jr., and Dann; sisters Ann (Donald) Nystrom, Lynn (Richard) Dahl, Barbara (John) Stafford, Joann (Michael) Jolette, Diane (Randy) Brady, Betty (Ben) Brewer, Laurie (Richard) Schinke; Uncle Armin (Delores) Birkholz; Aunt Elizabeth (Robert) West; and 19 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dawn Birkholz, niece Alisha Nystrom, nephew Brandon Birkholz, brother-in-law Dean DeWildt, and sister-in-law Marty (Beck) Birkholz.
Memorial Mass will be held Friday December 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 East Lourdes Drive, Appleton with Fr. Donald Zuleger officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at church. Wichmann Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.
Lee's family would like to thank the Martha Seikman Cancer Center, AMC, and Theda Care at Home Hospice for giving us three more years together.
Gary Hietpas
left a message on December 15, 2013:
I'm sorry I had to miss the visitation and service for Lee. I'd like to send a note to you, Paula, and also make a contribution to any memorial fund. But, I can't find you in the phone book. Can someone please send me Paula's address, phone, etc.??
Chris & Rick (Scottie) Scott
left a message on December 13, 2013:
Paula and Family,
We were so sorry to hear the news about Lee. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed.
the Dennis Batten family
left a message on December 12, 2013:
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ken Jahnke
left a message on December 11, 2013:
I had the opportunity to get to know Lee both on and off the basketball court at the "Y" where I found him to be a quality person and a caring man. May his family rest assured he has been warmly welcomed into the arms of our Lord.
Kathy Searl
left a message on December 11, 2013:
I was absolutely shocked to see Lee's obit. in the newspaper. Lee and Paula & family were my neighbors for a number of years on Matthias St. in Appleton. Lee was always the picture of health! Totally committed to his family. Hard working, but also knew how to relax and enjoy life. Birkholz family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May The Lord be with you all in this time of great sadness.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Liz Nevitt
left a message on December 10, 2013:
It is always hard to lose someone we love! Although I only met Lee a couple of times, I know him to be kind and thoughtful. To his family: Trust in the Lord to take good care of Lee now. So long as Lee is in your thoughts and prayers, he is truly with you.
Scott Caldie
left a message on December 10, 2013:
A long time ago, after our HS graduation in 1965, I moved on and away from Appleton. But my memory has not faded as I remember Leon to be one of the nicest guys around. Quiet, strong and thoughtful. Just a neat guy whom, I'm sure, will be missed by many. My condolences to family and friends. Scott Caldie
Gary Hietpas
left a message on December 10, 2013:
I was very surprised and sad to see the obit for Lee. As many of you know, I grew up with and near Lee and the rest of the family. Leon, as I remember him, was one of the nicest, warmest, kindest people I have ever known. I knew that Lee had a bout with cancer but I just assumed he was doing ok. It is very sad to hear this news. My best wishes to the whole family. I know Lee will be missed by all.
Gary and Barb Hietpas
Laurie
left a message on December 10, 2013:
My big brother Lee, You have no idea how much you are missed. Now all I have is the wonderful memories, which are many. I will never forget all the times you picked me up when I needed it most. Always telling me that we needed to lean on each other, but not your car. :) You've completed the work that God wanted you to do. You crossed the finish line. I look forward to the day that I will see you again. Love you, miss you, Laurie
Joann
left a message on December 9, 2013:
Lee, many years ago, on an early December night, I discovered that you were St. Nick, as I caught a glimpse of you racing down Murray Avenue in the dark night. I did not give away that I knew, because even at that young age, I knew somehow it might spoil your fun. You were the best, and my countless memories will help get me through losing you, such a big loss, it's going to be tough. But you were the toughest, so I will try to take a cue from you. I cannot enter the gym with thinking of you and always will. Say 'hey' to Dawn and I know that I will see you both again. Love, Joann
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Gary Hietpas
left a message on December 15, 2013:
I'm sorry I had to miss the visitation and service for Lee. I'd like to send a note to you, Paula, and also make a contribution to any memorial fund. But, I can't find you in the phone book. Can someone please send me Paula's address, phone, etc.??
Chris & Rick (Scottie) Scott
left a message on December 13, 2013:
Paula and Family,
We were so sorry to hear the news about Lee. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed.
the Dennis Batten family
left a message on December 12, 2013:
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ken Jahnke
left a message on December 11, 2013:
I had the opportunity to get to know Lee both on and off the basketball court at the "Y" where I found him to be a quality person and a caring man. May his family rest assured he has been warmly welcomed into the arms of our Lord.
Kathy Searl
left a message on December 11, 2013:
I was absolutely shocked to see Lee's obit. in the newspaper. Lee and Paula & family were my neighbors for a number of years on Matthias St. in Appleton. Lee was always the picture of health! Totally committed to his family. Hard working, but also knew how to relax and enjoy life. Birkholz family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May The Lord be with you all in this time of great sadness.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Liz Nevitt
left a message on December 10, 2013:
It is always hard to lose someone we love! Although I only met Lee a couple of times, I know him to be kind and thoughtful. To his family: Trust in the Lord to take good care of Lee now. So long as Lee is in your thoughts and prayers, he is truly with you.
Scott Caldie
left a message on December 10, 2013:
A long time ago, after our HS graduation in 1965, I moved on and away from Appleton. But my memory has not faded as I remember Leon to be one of the nicest guys around. Quiet, strong and thoughtful. Just a neat guy whom, I'm sure, will be missed by many. My condolences to family and friends. Scott Caldie
Gary Hietpas
left a message on December 10, 2013:
I was very surprised and sad to see the obit for Lee. As many of you know, I grew up with and near Lee and the rest of the family. Leon, as I remember him, was one of the nicest, warmest, kindest people I have ever known. I knew that Lee had a bout with cancer but I just assumed he was doing ok. It is very sad to hear this news. My best wishes to the whole family. I know Lee will be missed by all.
Gary and Barb Hietpas
Laurie
left a message on December 10, 2013:
My big brother Lee, You have no idea how much you are missed. Now all I have is the wonderful memories, which are many. I will never forget all the times you picked me up when I needed it most. Always telling me that we needed to lean on each other, but not your car. :) You've completed the work that God wanted you to do. You crossed the finish line. I look forward to the day that I will see you again. Love you, miss you, Laurie
Joann
left a message on December 9, 2013:
Lee, many years ago, on an early December night, I discovered that you were St. Nick, as I caught a glimpse of you racing down Murray Avenue in the dark night. I did not give away that I knew, because even at that young age, I knew somehow it might spoil your fun. You were the best, and my countless memories will help get me through losing you, such a big loss, it's going to be tough. But you were the toughest, so I will try to take a cue from you. I cannot enter the gym with thinking of you and always will. Say 'hey' to Dawn and I know that I will see you both again. Love, Joann
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