BLANCHARDVILLE/NEW GLARUS - John Frederick Bircher, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at the New Glarus Home. He was born on June 14, 1926 at Monroe, WI to his parents Fred and Rosa (Feller) Bircher. John grew up near Wiota and later Monticello where he graduated from high school. On February 3, 1951 he was united in marriage to Norma Callin at Mineral Point, WI. John first farmed in the Monticello and New Glarus area until 1968 when John and Norma moved to a farm near Blanchardville. The couple then farmed there until 2004 when they moved to Monroe. John was a skillful farmer who respected the land. Over the years he was recognized with awards for his milk quality and soil conservation. John was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church.

John is survived by his wife; Norma of New Glarus, WI, children; Sandy Bircher of Greenville, SC, Beverly (John) Campbell of Turangi, NZ, and Ron (Shirley) Bircher of New Glarus, WI; a grandson Matthew (Becky) Bircher, a great-granddaughter Reese Bircher with a great-grandson arriving in August. He is further survived by a brother Herbert (Arline) Bircher of Verona, WI, a sister Gladys (Charles) Hustad of Verona, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Marion.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the New Glarus Home Chapel, 600 Second Ave., New Glarus, WI (access via the Elm Dr. entrance), with Pastor Randy Booth officiating with burial in the Swiss Church Cemetery, New Glarus, WI.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until time of service on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the New Glarus Home Chapel, (access via Elm Dr.).

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is serving the family.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at www.bealfuneralhomes.com.