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Birkle, Donald G.
MADISON-On Monday, March 8, 2010, our family lost a good man. Although cancer took Donald G. Birkle, age 78, from this earth, he will live forever in our hearts and souls. Don was born on Jan. 16, 1932. He was a great man who lived an ordinary life. He believed in family, honesty, and hard work. He taught us kindness and compassion towards others and the world. Don enjoyed spending time painting, playing the piano, fishing, golfing, and curling. His greatest love though was his family. Together, Don and his wife of 55 years, Shirley (Hedding), built a life of love, compassion and joy. Five children, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren filled his life with happiness, adventure and humor. Left to honor his memory, accept his wisdom, and remember his laughter are his wife, Shirley; his children, Kari and Tim Mulhern, Kristi Birkle, Kathi Sullivan, Alan and Holly Birkle, Koni and David Adams; his grandchildren, Erin Mulhern and Jim Jelak, Ryan and Connie Mulhern, Kelly and Bruce Radcliff, Jared, Kortney and Jacob Weber, Erica and Mike Johnson, Heidi Goodson and Todd Rasmussen, Alyssa Sullivan and Josh Geise, Alex and Mitch Birkle, Linsey, Mike and Karley Adams; his great-grandchildren, Mekhi and Ayona Johnson, Syerah Mulhern-Allred, and Trevor Rasmussen; a brother, John and Katie Birkle; as well as numerous brothers-in law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Don’s spirit is now soaring with his parents; a brother; and his in-laws. Funeral services will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH,1904 Winnebago St., Madison, which Don and Shirley have called their church home for 55 years, at noon on Thursday, March 11, 2010, with the Rev. John Ruppenthal presiding. A time of fellowship and food immediately following the service. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Olbrich Gardens. Our family was blessed to have had the honor to call him husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened” – Dr. Seuss.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Centers
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
www.gundersonfh.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Olbrich Gardens.
Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
Funeral services will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH,1904 Winnebago St., Madison, which Don and Shirley have called their church home for 55 years, at noon on Thursday, March 11, 2010, with the Rev. John Ruppenthal presiding. A time of fellowship and food immediately following the service.
Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.
