Cindy Lou Birmele

Cindy Lou Birmele, 65, of Hartford passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family following an extended illness.

Cindy was born on May 6, 1958, the daughter of Dale and Yvonne (Goodrich) Leonard. Cindy graduated from Hartford High School in 1977. Cindy met her husband, Gerald Birmele, when she “skipped on by” at the Tastee Freeze in Hartford, and they were united in marriage on Dec. 28, 1980. She was employed by Saluto’s of Benton Harbor for many years. Cindy found her calling as a homemaker, and enjoyed being present for many field trips and school activities for her children growing up. Along with her husband, they have owned and operated the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford since 1996.

Cindy enjoyed volunteering her time to a number of different local organizations. She was a former member of the Hartford Business Association, and faithful volunteer for the Hartford Strawberry Festival, in which she oversaw the Prince and Princess contests for over 20 years. Cindy enjoyed sewing, and for many years made clothing and blankets for her children. She was an avid bowler and bowled on leagues at Lakes Bowl in Sister Lakes. She also enjoyed cleaning (yes, cleaning!), working in the yard, and riding around on the electric scooters or go-cart. You could often find her cruising town in her beloved Sebring Convertible, which was also a staple for many homecoming parades throughout the years. Her grandchildren brought her great joy, and her eyes lit up when they would visit.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Gerald; her three children: Janell (Jeremy) Parker, Jerrod Birmele, and Jenna (Ryan) Runge, all of Hartford; and her three grandchildren: Colton Runge, Isabelle Runge, and Luca Parker, all of Hartford. She is also survived by her father, Dale Leonard, of Hartford. Cindy was preceded in death by her mother, Yvonne Leonard; her siblings: Penny Patterson and Richard Leonard; brother-in-law, Jim Patterson; and sister-in-law, Diann Birmele. She was also preceded by her in-laws: Marvin and Mary Birmele.

The family will welcome friends from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. There will be no formal service, as Cindy instead wanted a celebration. Instead, this gathering and buffet of the foods Cindy loved to eat and prepare for others will be for all to stop in, share a joyful memory, and grab a bite to eat. Please come HUNGRY. A private family burial will be held earlier in the day with Pastor Lonnie Truelove of Full Gospel Assembly officiating. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Cindy’s name be made to Caring Circle of Corewell Lakeland Health, St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

We love you, Mama.