Fred Lee Briggler, Sr.

Fred Lee Briggler, Sr., age 89, of Morrilton, passed away Friday, July 8, 2016, in his home. 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 Catholic Church, Charter member of Msgr. Charles F. Kordsmeier Council 5209 Knights of Columbus, WWII United States Navy Veteran, Sacred Heart School Board member, a Sacred Heart Catholic Church Eucharistic Minister, Church Usher, and Pre-Cana Instructor. He was a very 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 USS LST 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 loving wife and family. Survivors include his wife of 64 years: Clara Kordsmeier Briggler; eight sons: 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 Anna Marie; 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 will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Gregory Hart officiating, and Msgr. Jack Harris and Father Jim Burnie as Co-Celebrants. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 11, at Harris Chapel with visitation following. Pallbearers will be Brad Miller, Chris Welcher, Brandon Resecker, Zachary Briggler, Christian Briggler, and Andrew Briggler. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aaron Miller, Matthew Welcher, Clayton Briggler, and Dylan Miller. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Fred Lee Briggler, Sr.

March 20, 1927 - July 8, 2016