John Birkenbach

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

John David Birkenbach, 87, of Pierce City, MO, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026 following a short illness.

John was born on October 5, 1938 in Monett, MO, son of the late John and Kathleen (O’Neill”) Birkenbach. Growing up in Monett, John graduated from Monett High School with the class of 1954. Following his school years, John served his country honorably in the U.S. Army National Guard. Throughout his working years, John worked for Jumping Jacks Shoe Company, until they closed. After his retirement from Jumping Jacks, he worked for Aggieville and later Hesemann Construction. John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and in his spare time he enjoyed farming, square dancing, traveling, gardening and spending time with his friends at Wellbaum Tire.

On June 23, 1972 in Monett, MO at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, John was united in marriage to Mary Francis Anderson. They were blessed with over fifty-two years of wonderful memories made together until her passing on July 8, 2024.

Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Sam Birkenbach and wife Delores, of Monett; his sisters, Mary Spivy, of Monett and Lois Hull, of Nixa; his brother-in-law, James Anderson and wife Terry, of Butterfield, MO; two sisters-in-law, Jean Whisenhunt and husband Fred, of Cassville, MO and Kay Stewart, of Purdy, MO; his extended family, including Richard and Janet Eck; Michelle and Lexi Eck, Jesse and Cari Caddell and Maci, Averi, Quinci and Tate Caddell, Kodi and Jenna Pearce and Sawyer, Ridge and Oaklen Pearce, Travis Eck and Kristin, and Tynley and Jade Eck; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and dear friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pierce City with Father Sanoop Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-7:00 p.m. on Friday with Rosary service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The committal service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Monett. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buchanan Funeral Home.