John Birsner

(From Knell Mortuary)

John Louis Birsner, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away October 8, 2024, in the beautiful mountains near Taos, New Mexico. John was born in St. Louis, Missouri, April 16, 1944, to Dr. Frank and Mary Birsner. Growing up in Carthage, Missouri held special memories for John as he attended Mark Twain Elementary, McAuley High School and graduated from St. Gregory’s College in Shawnee, Oklahoma and also attended Pittsburg State University.

Never afraid of hard work, John spent many summers at the Poirot Farms in Golden City, Missouri, bailing hay and detasseling corn, as well as learning the construction business while working at M&P Construction. 

Upon graduation from college, he began a career in insurance with the St. Paul Insurance Company and lived several years in Minnesota. As his expertise grew in insurance, he became a specialist in construction bonding and was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia to establish the regional bond department of the St. Paul Insurance Company. He then settled with his family in Oklahoma City, eventually becoming an independent insurance agent. At the time of his passing, he was associated with the Insurance Agency of MidAmerica, Inc.

Having a passion for the outdoors he developed a deep love of hunting and conservation. He loved sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and had impressive knowledge about their games and players, past and present. John enthusiastically cheered on the OU football games with the guys, and especially his nephew, Austin. Attending the annual Maple Leaf Parade in Carthage, Missouri was a never missed event as it included a reunion with family and friends, watching the Marching Cobras, burgers from Whisler’s and the annual golf tournament where he continuously provided entertainment for those participating.

Already missing John for his wonderful personality and loyalty to family and friends are his wife Janeen Myers Birsner, his sons, Joe and Cody Birsner and their families, Jeff Mallory and his family, Elizabeth McCallister, Meg Graves, Anne Heck, Galt M. Ormiston and their families. Also surviving John are his sisters, Rebecca Reynolds and Barbara Graue along with their families, Uncle Jim Diekemper, Uncle Bob and Arlene Diekemper, and all the nieces, nephews and cousins who dearly loved John.

Preceding John in passing were his parents, Dr. Frank and Mary Birsner, sister, Janet Birsner Stibor and brother, Michael Birsner.

John had a deep love of the Lord and was quick to lift up others in prayer. A celebration of John’s life will be held at Britton Christian Church, 922 N.W. 91st Street, Oklahoma City, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in the care of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors.

On the day he passed, this was the verse of the day:

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

In recognition for his love of everything outdoors, memorial contributions may be made to: Missouri Department of Conservation.