Biography

Leonard “Len” Elmer Birling, age 74, of Menasha, passed away Saturday evening, March 13, 2010 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. Len was born October 15, 1935 to the late George and Eva (Dietz) Birling. He was a graduate from St. Mary High School, Menasha. Len was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for 8 years. He was employed by Marathon Corporation (American National Can Co.) for 42 years, most of that time in the Graphic Arts Division, working as a foreman.

Len loved all sports, was an avid Brewer, Packer, and Wisconsin Badger fan. He coached a winning boys little league team for Youth Sports for 11 years and assisted his son, Greg, with girl’s softball for three years. Len bowled in many leagues, an accomplishment he was most proud of was having the high average in the Marathon League for some years. He also enjoyed golfing and had a passion for country music and his Gibson guitar.

Len is survived by his high school sweetheart, Sandie (Girard)Birling, they were united in marriage on April 28, 1956 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Menasha. In addition to his wife of 53 wonderful years, Len, is further survived by his three sons: Gregory (Mary Kay), Steven (Dawn), and Christopher (Connie) Birling. He was the proud grandpa of Angie (Dan) Hermanson, Andy (Nikki), Matthew, Amanda (fiancé Derek Murphy), and Brandon Birling. The new life in Len’s family were the two great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Benjamin Birling. He was looking forward to two new great-granddaughters this summer. Len is also survived by three brothers: Don (Myrtle), Jerry, and Dan (Debbie) Birling; two sisters: Helen Werner and Barbara (Jay) Leimer; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Birling.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eva; his in-laws, Jerry and Lois Girard; one brother, Robert; a brother-in-law, Bud Werner, and a sister-in law, Marge Birling.

A Funeral Mass for Leonard will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 528 Second Street, Menasha. Fr. Paul Radetski will officiate. Friends and family may call directly at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of service. Leonard will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha.

A memorial fund has been established in Len’s name.

Len’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at St. Elizabeth Hospital, especially the Oncology Unit and Dr. Meenakshi Thirunavu for all their wonderful care and support.

“As a husband and dad, no-one can compare, you made our life so very special”
Much love,
Sandie, Greg, Steve, and Chris.

Visitation

Tuesday March 16, 2010, 9:30 - 11:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church
Click for Map and Directions

Funeral Mass

Tuesday March 16, 2010, 11:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church
Click for Map and Directions