Donald Lee Birk, 85, of Jefferson City, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Heisinger Bluffs West.

He was born on November 28, 1938, in Morrison, Missouri, the son of Alphonse E. Birk and Pearl E. (Smith) Birk and was their first born of three children.

Don attended eight years of grade school at Assumption Catholic Grade School in Morrison, Missouri, and four years of high school at Chamois High School graduating in 1956.

In spring of 1957, Don became employed at the Army Corp of Engineers on the Missouri River and the Corp Navigation Department. Don joined the United States Air Force in July 1959 and attended his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Following completion of basic training, Don was assigned to attend Air Force Technical School in Amarillo Texas in the Petroleum Oil and Lubricant Division. After completion of Technical School, Don received orders to report to the NATO base in Iceland. After completion of one year of service in Iceland, Don received orders to report to Misawa Air Force base on the northern main island of Japan and was there for three years and three months. After his time of service there, he was discharged in May 1964. Don continued his career with Cheesebourgh Ponds, Inc. for over 25 years and later for J & D Bike Shop.

In April 1964, before his discharge, Don married Yaiko Okamoto Birk; they were married for 34 years before Yaiko passed away in June 1999.

Don was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church and was very active in his church where he served as Chairman for the parish picnic for several years, served on the parish council for four years, served as a eucharistic minister, a greeter, and minister of hospitality. Don joined the Morrison Assumption Catholic Church Knights of Columbus in 1956, and he was instrumental in organizing St. Martin’s first ever Knights of Columbus Council. Don served as the first Grand Knight for St. Martin’s Knights of Columbus Council 7194. Don is also a member of the St. Jude Council 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

Don was married to Brenda Scott Birk in March 2006 and continued to live in Jefferson City following their marriage. Don loved his church, school, Knights of Columbus, blue grass music, Blue Grass festivals, Branson vacations, bike riding, and car races and he loved the St. Louis Cardinals.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Pearl Birk; his wife, Yaiko Birk; and his brothers-in-law, Ronald Cramer and Larry Samson.

Don is survived by his devoted and loving wife Brenda Birk; and two sisters, Eloise J. Cramer (Ronald Cramer) and Sharon A. Samson (Larry Samson). Don was deeply loved by his three nieces, Ronda Cramer, Lisa Petoskey (Mark Petoskey), Renee Camp (Josh Camp); and many great nieces and nephews. Don is also survived by his stepdaughter, Jill Scott; and three step-grandchildren, Austin, Cameron, and Jordan Wilson; and he is also survived and loved by his nephew, Hitoshi and his wife Atsuko from Japan and their family.

Don knew no strangers; he was a friend and mentor to so many and he will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Martin Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Jason Doke officiating.

Entombment with military honors will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Martin Catholic School, by mailing condolences to St. Martin Catholic School, 7206 Bus 50 W, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or by mailing condolences to St. Martin Knights of Columbus Council 7194, 537 State Highway T, Jefferson City, MO, 65109.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com