Jerry Herbert Birk, devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, fisherman and son of Frank Birk and Betty (Russ) Breckenkamp, was born November 5,1936 in St. Louis, MO. He was baptized during infancy at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church and confirmed his faith as an adult at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Louis. In 1954 he graduated from McKinley High School and in 1958 he received a B.S. degree in Geology from St. Louis University.
Following graduation, he worked at Von Hoffman Press as a textbook planner where he remained for 36 years until retirement.
On June 17, 1960 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Jerry was married to Joyce Muriel Bergmeier with whom he enjoyed 61 years with her until her passing on May 30, 2021. To this union four children were born. They with their spouses and offspring are Mark (Valerie) Birk: Bradley (Zineb) Birk: Michele (James) Frisella, and Matthew Birk (Mary). Also surviving are the 11 grandchildren: Olivia (Zack), Evan, J.R. (Kristin), Michael, Allison (Mike), Braden (Allison), Katie, Jenna, Nick, Lexi, & Lindsey and two great grandchildren, Caroline & Luke. Dear brother of Carol (Jack), as well as other relatives and a host of friends. His commitment to and love of his family were unrelenting and his greatest joy.
On November 13, 1967 Jerry and Joyce became members of Peace Lutheran where their membership since has remained. Jerry and Joyce, together with others served Bosnians and other newly arrived immigrants with English as a Second Language (ESL), Feed My People, computer literacy, naturalization, and immigrant sports programs. Together they helped over 40 immigrants obtain their U.S. Citizenship and saw many participants also embrace the Christian faith. During many of these years Jerry likewise served as an Elder and Usher at Peace. Jerry also volunteered at Jefferson Barracks Veteran’s Administration Hospital for over 20 years until 2023.
Jerry enjoyed good health before his peaceful departure on Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at the age of 87.
Services: Funeral Service: July 17th with visitation at 9:30AM and service at 11:00AM at Peace Lutheran Church, 737 Barracksview Road, 63125. Graveside Service immediately following the Funeral Service at Trinity Cemetery. A luncheon at Peace will follow the Graveside Service for those who would like to celebrate Jerry’s amazing life.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Feed My People, 171 Kingston, St. Louis MO 63125.
KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY SERVICE
I loved having Jerry volunteer at the VA. He showed up with a smile and always called me “my angel”. I know he is so happy to be reunited with Joyce. Although I never got to meet her, I felt like I did the way Jerry talked about her. All my love to his family.
Thoughts and Prayers to the entire Birk family.
I did not know Jerry long, but long enough to know what a kind and selfless person he was. I’m very happy to have known him. Thank you to Michelle, and the rest of the family for allowing me to be a part of Jerry’s final journey.