Hugo Ernst Birkner Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 17, 2011 in San Angelo, TX after a short hospital stay. Hugo was born October 21st, 1915 in Mosier OR and moved soon after with his parents Hugo and May Louise (Richards) to Kent OH. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended Kent State University. Early on Hugo showed remarkable talent with all things mechanical and electrical. He capitalized on this during his working years as an electrician at the Ravenna Arsenal and at Kent State University, and then as an engineer designing manufacturing equipment for Kent-area companies specializing in rubber, plastic and fiberglass products. He provided volunteer services at the original First Congregational Church in Kent and continued as a member of the United Church of Christ. He was also active in Habitat for Humanity. Hugo was actively employed until age 88 at which time he said farewell to his fine neighbors in Twin Lakes, OH and moved to Texas to be near family. He soon had many new friends in San Angelo at the Baptist Memorials High Rise Apartments where the excellent staff and friendly residents welcomed “Pappaw” warmly. Hugo is survived by his son John and his wife Betty who reside in Dallas TX; granddaughter Jennifer Kent and husband Matt and great grandchildren Alexis and Nathan who reside in Highland Village TX; by his Son Fred and grandson Sean who reside in Torrance CA; and sister-in-laws Doris (Wahl) and Carol (Keidel). Also surviving are his extended family Kay and Darrell Smith and their children and Mattie Lee Wigley, all of whom made Hugo’s years in San Angelo so fulfilling for him; and Angie Palacueloz who expertly attended to Hugo’s needs in recent months. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Alice Louise (Littlepage), John Martin, Francis Richard (Dick) and William Bellows (Bill); by his first wife, Flora (Sprague) and second wife, Nancy (Jenkins); Son John’s first wife Luvenia Catherine (Wigley); and Son Fred’s wife Linda (Rackham). There will be a memorial service at 10:00 A.M., on Feb. 22, 2011 at The First Baptist Church Chapel of San Angelo. In Lieu of flowers, suggest contributions may be made to the San Angelo Baptist Memorials Ministry or Hospice of San Angelo. Hugo was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of San Angelo. Interment is planned for later in the year at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent OH.
Family and friends may sign an online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.
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