Arley Joseph Berkbuegler, 86, of Friedheim, Missouri passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at St. Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau, MO.
He was born July 31, 1937 in Biehle, MO to Erwin and Wilhelmina C. (Laurentius) Berkbuegler.
Arley and Nancy Sue Balsman were married April 23, 1960 at Assumption Catholic Church, Perryville, MO. Nancy preceded him on January 21, 2022.
Arley served in the Missouri Army National Guard.
He was a Farmer and Construction Foreman.
He was a member of the St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Perryville, MO, the Knights of Columbus Council 1263 Perryville, and the American Legion Post 133 Perryville.
Arley helped introduce kettle beef to the Seminary Picnic, where he was co-chairman of the Kettle Beef Stand for decades.
Arley was co-founder of the American Tractor Museum in Perryville, MO. Arley’s ingenuity and hard work can be seen from one end to the other in the American Tractor Museum. Arley brought to life he and Kenny Buchheit’s dream of having a one-of-kind antique tractor display. Over 100 tractors, many of them very unusual, were handpicked by Kenny and Faithfully restored by Arley.
Survivors include one daughter, Laura (Rocky) Schumer of Perryville, MO; three sons, Timothy Berkbuegler of Friedheim, MO, Craig (Trudy) Berkbuegler of Festus, MO, Terry (Shannan) Berkbuegler of Chicago, IL; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Chalmer (Dolores) Berkbuegler of Perryville, MO; five sisters, Margie (Dick) Miget of Perryville, MO, Dot (Vernon) Schweigert of Perryville, MO, Norma (Eugene) Lauck of Apple Creek, MO, Betty (Dale) Thompson of Perryville, MO, JoAnn (Ronnie) Buchheit of Foristell, MO; Sister-in-law, Anna Marie Berkbuegler of Perryville, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife; brother, Marion Berkbuegler; infant sister, Dolores Berkbuegler.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024 and 8:00 am to 10:30 am Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville Rosary will be recited at 8:30 am.
Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am Saturday, April 13, 2024 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with the Rev. Ben Melaku C.M. officiating.
Inurnment will be at Mary Queen of All Saints Mausoleum in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Perryville, MO.
Memorial contributions may be given to American Heart Association, Kidney Foundation, or For Family Use.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.