By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments
    • Service

      Celebration of Life:
      Sunday, December 4, 2022
      2:00 to 6:00 PM
      Lindendale Park, Highland, IL.

    • Full Obituary

      Fred A. Bircher, 73, of Highland, IL, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

      He was born on September 28, 1949, in Highland, IL, to Bernell and Patricia (nee Lonergan) Bircher. He married Cherie Bargetzi on December 20, 1969, in Highland, IL.

      Born and raised in Highland, Fred has been an active part of the community his whole life. He was a longtime board member of the Helvetia Sharpshooters, and a member of the Highland Moose Lodge.

      An avid outdoorsman, Fred loved to hunt and fish. His favorite thing to do was to spend time with his family whether locally, or at his favorite cabins in Minnesota. He loved raising and spending time with his bird dogs and was also a true New York Yankees baseball fan. Fred was a caring and loving individual that was a firm believer in family first. He loved hanging out with his grandchildren and great grandson. Fred loved his family and would drop everything to make sure that they were taken care of. Fred loved to interact with people by talking about old times in Highland especially if the topic was baseball or basketball. He was loved by all and will continue to be in our hearts.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernell and Patricia Bircher; siblings, Mary Pat Miller, John R. Bircher, and James T. Bircher.

      Fred is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cherie Bircher; children, Derek (Brittnee Langreder) Bircher, Daron (Katie) Bircher; grandchildren, Bailey Bircher, Chase (Dakota) Mollet, Lake Bircher, Gage Bircher, Zane Bircher; great grandchild, Mason Mollet; siblings, Bernell F. Bircher, William J. (Donna) Bircher, and Edward S. Bircher.

      Celebration of Life Service: Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, at Lindendale Park, Highland, IL.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    8 Condolences
     
    1. Marilyn Rudolph / November 28, 2022 at 12:00 pm

      Max and I want to give our condolences to the whole Bircher family. We have been Fred and Cheri’s neighbors for many years and have very fond memories of them and their family.

    2. Todd Herring / November 28, 2022 at 12:59 pm

      Fred was one of a kind and his love for family always showed through in his conversations with me. I had only met Cherie through work, but i felt like I knew his family as he loved to talk about his kids and grandkids along with his adventures in the duck blind. He always showed me respect and offered guidance throughout my career in the insurance business. One thing for sure, Fred will be wearing pin stripes in heaven!

    3. Sandra K Kohlbrecher / November 29, 2022 at 6:59 am

      My deepest sympathy goes out to the Bircher Family. I can’t say I remember Fred or Cheri but remember his father Bernell “back in the day” when my husband Bill Kohlbrecher, and I use to go to Michael’s restaurant in Highland. Fun times. Peace be will you all, Sandra K. Kohlbrecher.

    4. Brent J. Michael MD / November 29, 2022 at 10:12 am

      Fred, You were “ one of a kind”! I remember many of times how kind Both You:, and your Wife would host over the “ Michael Boys.
      Your Sons : Derek and Darren :are great men, because of you!
      We all will miss you, from The Michael’s!

      love you ,
      brad, vanessaa ,Joanne, Brent, Chad and Gaylen- and the rest of “ the clan”!
      God Bless!
      The Michael’s

    5. Jim Johnson / November 29, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      We were so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Our MN cabin neighbor was an obvious family man, always talking about his children and grandchildren.
      It will definitely leave a void not having him around. He was very generous and always ready with a smile and a story.
      We will miss you Fred.
      Jim & Gayle Johnson

    6. Gino Anselmo / November 30, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      We lost a great friend. Fred and Cherie have been our Minnesota neighbors for many years. We enjoyed many evenings enjoying a beer and good conversation on Fred’s deck overlooking Anderson Lake. Fred was quick to tell us the best lure to use and when and where to catch the smallies on the lake. He was so kind and generous to our children, hiring them to do small odd jobs and paying them way more than he should have. Thinking of you all. We will miss you Fred! Love Gino, Sandy and family

    7. Barbara Hoffman / December 1, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      My condolences to Cherie and her family. I have such fond memories of Fred in high school, and how he and Cherie would let me tag along with them after basketball games. He was so much fun to be around, and I enjoyed reminiscing with both of them last year at the unofficial class of ’69 reunion. You will be missed, Fred.

    8. Dione Booth / December 2, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      My deepest sympathies to Fred’s family and friends. My memories of Fred bring a smile to my face as he loved people, was quick to make me laugh, and was a true joy to be around. I pray that all of his loved ones are comforted by the many wonderful memories they shared with him.

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