Margaret was a sales clerk at S.S. Kresge Company in Belleville, IL, before her retirement. Her prior work assignments include the Carroll House, Fab n’ Trim, The Telephone Company and the Dutch Girl Restaurant, all in Belleville. She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, and belonged to the Quilters Club at the church. She was also a member of the Belleville Quail Club and The Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #697. As a member of the Quail Club, Margaret worked with the quilter group. With her husband Oliver, and a wonderful group of volunteers, the Quail Club Fish Fry was established, which was highly successful for many years. In addition, Margaret was a charter member of the Swansea Volunteer Fireman’s Auxiliary. For many years, a volunteer in support of her children, Margaret served as a room mother at the Franklin School, with the Boy Scout organization at St. Paul UCC, and with the music programs at Belleville School Districts #118 and #201.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 46 years, Oliver Birkner, whom she married on May 19, 1944, and who died on May 3, 1990; her parents, John C. and Clara M., nee Ackerman, Huth; a granddaughter, Sarah Birkner, two sisters, Catherine Huth and Rita Haas; and a brother, John (Edna) Huth.
Surviving are her two sons, William H. Birkner of Phoenix, AZ, and Thomas F. (Kathryn) Birkner of Belleville, IL;
three grandchildren, John, Ryan and Erin Birkner;
a brother, Jerome (Delores) Huth;
a sister-in-law, Darlene;
and many loving nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fine Arts Fund at St. Paul United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL with Rev. Michelle Torigian officiating.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.