Michael "Mike" V. Birner

Michael “Mike” Vance Birner, 68, of Peru, Indiana, took off his boots for the last time on October 6, 2025 — though knowing Mike, he’s probably already found a project to tackle on the other side.

Born November 29, 1956, to Sammy Joe and Eclista Mae (Mongosa) Birner, Mike was a proud member of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana and a lifelong jack of all trades. He could fix, rig, build, or “make do” with just about anything, often with a little creativity and a lot of determination. Mike was known for being hard-working to a fault — the kind of man you couldn’t keep out of the fields or the woods no matter what you said (and many tried). A horseman and outdoorsman through and through, he found his peace in the woods, on a horse, or, more recently, fishing with friends and his grandson Wyatt. 

Mike previously worked at CR Metals, but his real career was doing whatever needed doing — cutting firewood, baling hay, tinkering with equipment, or wheeling and dealing his way through an impressive collection of what some might call junk. Stubborn, kind, and endlessly resourceful, Mike lived life his own way.

He is survived by his children Michelle (Travis) Daily, Jennifer (Travis) Steele, and Wesley (Tiffany) Birner; his brother Neal Birner; and grandchildren Wyatt Birner, Adalyn and Kody Daily, and Landon, Anna, and Alex Steele. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joseph Allen Birner, and his faithful dog Joe — who’s no doubt wagging his tail at their reunion.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to share stories, laughter, and a few tall tales in his honor. In true Mike fashion, wear your best jeans and your favorite flannel.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael "Mike" V. Birner, please visit our floral store.