Henry “Hank” G. Birkholz, 87, of La Porte, IN, passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at Oak Woods Manor, La Porte.
He was born Nov. 7, 1931, in Galien, MI, to Henry and Gertrude (Snyder) Birkholz.
In February 1951, Hank entered into active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps. Wounded in action in Korea, he earned a Purple Heart. Hank also earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, as well as other medals.
Hank owned Shaffner Tire Service for more than 30 years, retiring in 1993. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. Hank was a member of VFW Post 9423, Rolling Prairie, IN.
On June 2, 1951, in Oceanside, CA, he married Janet Sue Williams, who preceded him in death.
Surviving are his children, Michael (Debra) Birkholz of La Porte, David (Martha) Birkholz of La Porte, and Gay Lyn Birkholz (Tom Behny) of The Villages, FL; grandchildren, Kinlynn (Troy) Gill, Todd Birkholz, Beth Birkholz (Bill McCoy), Brooke Stines, Anna (Luke) Newcomb, and Jenna (Jon) Romond; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Peggy (Charlie) Droege and Marilyn (Tom) Boyd, both of La Porte; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Robert Birkholz; and grandson, Ian Garrison.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte, with Pastor Roger Ash officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the service at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow at Heckman Memorial Cemetery, Hesston, IN.
Memorial donations may be made to VFW Post 9423, 4202 N 400 E, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.