Robert L. Birk, 83, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Ft. Wayne.
Born on July 31, 1940 in LaPaz, Indiana he was the son of Ralph and Helena (Fisher) Birk.
He attended LaPaz High School graduating with the class of 1958. On October 1, 1960, in Plymouth, Robert and Wilma “Willie” Eads Birk were married. She would precede him in death on May 13, 2007. Bob first owned a Gulf Station at 19 years old before founding and operating Central Indiana Insurance Services Inc. in 1962, Central Indiana Realty and Arrowhead Specialties.
Known as a beautiful soul that never knew a stranger, Robert never had an unkind word to say about anyone, which is one of the rarest attributes in life. He enjoyed traveling, especially to England, Germany, and Switzerland. He truly enjoyed spending time outside and taking care of his arrowhead acres, which he and Willie raised their family. He enjoyed feeding his birds, maintaining his flowers, hunting and collecting arrowheads, attending grandkids events through the years, and his annual golfing events with. He was truly engaged with genealogy and was the president of the Birk family reunion for 60 years. Through his lifetime, Bob was a strong supporter of his community and served and participated in several organizations. He was a previous board member and lifetime supporter of the Miami County 4H Fair.
Bob was a tremendous father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be truly missed by all that knew him well.
He is survived by his wife Jan; his sons: Rodney (Ann) Birk; Randall (Rochelle) Birk; Robert “Boo” Birk; daughters: Robin (Peter, “Chip”) VanBuskirk; Rhonda (Brent Thacker) Dale; grandchildren: Matthew VanBuskirk, Megan VanBuskirk, Lindsay Swihart, Braden (Allyson) Birk, Bayli (Drew) McClary, Marissa Birk, Jacob Birk, Christiana Birk, Noah Birk, Grant Dale, Gracie Dale, great-grandchildren: Amila McClary, Harari McClary, Caden VanBuskirk, Braxxon Birk, Bryson Birk, Barrett Birk, Brinlei Swihart, Breslyn Swihart, Mason Aguilera and Lila Aguilera; sisters: Esther Paege and Norma Williams as well as several nieces and nephews.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, wife Wilma, brothers: Ralph and Larry Birk, sisters: Eleanor Loman, Dorothy Woolley, granddaughters: Brittany Truss and Brittain Birk.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 4-7 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Life Celebrant James Smart officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Kathy Kendall Lindley says
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to all your families. Roann neighbors for life.
Linda Gebhart-Jackson says
My deepest condolences to the family. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
Bob Annis says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I have stayed in touch with Bob and i went to 12 years of school and played a lot of sports with him. He was a great friend for many years.
Judy Null-Graddy says
My deepest sympathy to the Family. What a beautiful soul.
May he rest piece. I was one of his Classmates.
Linda Miller Fine says
So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We were classmates through 12 years of schooling at LaPaz. He will be missed.
Kathie Grandstaff says
Sending love to the Birk family.
We have been Roann friends for many years. Bob was a great friend and so kind in our Community.
Jim Tranter says
Bob lived a wonderful life. He loved family, friends, and if it could be loved, he loved it. I feel it an honor to be included in Bob’s journey through Life.
JIM T