Obituary for LAWRENCE LEONARD BIRKENHOLZ

Lawrence L. Birkenholz, 94, died Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston from pneumonia. He was born July 2, 1916, in Vandalia, Iowa, and was raised on the family farm in rural Jasper County. Lawrence served in the United States Army during WWII until his honorable discharge. He worked for and retired from Caldwell & Hartung after a lifelong career in 1978. He was a member of Union Park United Methodist Church in Des Moines and enjoyed farming, gardening, and restoring antique cars. He is survived by his son, James (Marcia) Birkenholz; grandchildren, Jonathan (Kelly) Birkenholz and Jennifer (Daniel Halma) Birkenholz; and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gretchen; parents; and numerous brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, February 26, 2011, at Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, with burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.