Fred Briggler Sr. dies

Published: July 15, 2016

Fred Lee Briggler Sr., 89, of Morrilton, passed away Friday, July 8. He was born March 20, 1927, in St. Vincent; a son of the late Ernest Briggler and Katherine Burgener Briggler. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, charter member of Msgr. Charles F. Kordsmeier Council 5209 Knights of Columbus, WWII United States Navy Veteran, Sacred Heart School Board member, Eucharistic minister, usher, and pre-cana instructor.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to 11 children, 33 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He served in the United States Navy from July 12, 1945, to July 22,1946. He served on USS Samaritan and USSLST 1020 in the Asiatic-Pacific. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Medal. He graduated Wonderview High School in 1947 after serving in the United States Navy. He retired early after 31 years of working for ARKLA Gas and enjoyed 41 years of family, farming and traveling with his wife and family.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Clara Kordsmeier Briggler; eight sonn, Fred Briggler Jr. and wife Martha, John Briggler and wife Deanna, David Briggler and wife Jackie, Kevin Briggler and wife Donna, Patrick Briggler, Jeff Briggler and wife Malissa, Michael Briggler and wife Kim, Tommy Briggler and wife AnnaMarie; three daughters, Margaret Miller and husband Bob, Karen Welcher, Linda Resecker and husband Terry; one brother, Ray Briggler; two sisters, Rodie Rohlman and Ernestine Sponer; 32 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clem Briggler; three sisters, Mildred Noll, Bernice Beck and Louise Riedmueller; son-in-law, Jimmy Welcher; granddaughter, Briana Briggler; and great-grandson, Nathaniel Rogers.

Funeral Mass was Tuesday, July 12 at Sacred Heart Church with Father Gregory Hart officiating, and Msgr. Jack Harris and Father Jim Burnie as co-celebrants. Burial is in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Rosary will be6:30 p.m. Monday, July 11, at Harris Chapel with visitation following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net