Calvin A. Deininger

Calvin A. Deininger, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2011. He fought a courageous and brave battle against lung cancer, but is suffering no longer and has gone to be with his family in God'™s kingdom. Cal was born August 14, 1935 to Paul and Olga (Fester) Deininger, in Freeport. He was raised in Freeport and attended Immanuel Lutheran School. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1953. He married Shirley Tinsley on July 29, 1955. Calvin and Shirley had one son, Scott. Cal worked alongside his parents, brother and nephews at the family business, Deininger Floral, until 1981. Over the years, Cal raised birds and developed a strong interest and expertise about them. In August 1981 he accomplished his life-long dream of opening his own pet shop. When he got sick, he assured his family he was going to work every day at the pet shop until he died. Although that was not possible, Cal did touch many lives through the pet shop. Other than family, Wings-n-Things pet shop was his pride and joy. Through this business, Cal was able to utilize his knowledge and love of animals to build a strong Freeport business that was sustained for over 30 years until Cal was too ill to run it any longer. While running the pet shop, Cal made many friends that came to hear a joke and share a laugh. Cal will always be known for his incredible sense of humor, outgoing personality and ability to make people smile. Cal was a lifelong resident of Freeport and a member of the Eagles Club. He was an avid Cubs fan, a Bears fan. Cal will be missed by many. Survivors include; his son, Scott A. (Shirley) Deininger and his grandson, Adam Deininger of North Carolina, sister, Pauline Mowder of Coffeeville, Kansas and her children Patrick and John and their family, special niece Becky Knoop and her husband George. two special great nieces, Heidi (Bryon) Deininger-Houy and their children; Jess, Jack and Elly, Brooke Deininger Wagner and her son Seth along with nephews; Paul (Carolyn) Deininger, Kirk (Lois) Deininger and Craig (Justine) Deininger and their families and his sister-in-law Joan Deininger and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents, Paul and Olga Deininger, and his brother George Deininger. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Dr. Rev. Willis Schwichtenberg, Rev. Richard 'Ros' Schultz and Vicar Brian Weaver officiating. Visitation will be Monday 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in his memory. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook.