Obituary for Christopher Brian Birk
BIRK, CHRISTOPHER
7/3/1955-1/31/2020
Ypsilanti
Chris died peacefully in his sleep at home at the age of 64 after a 17-month battle with brain cancer. A native of Ypsilanti, Chris earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University before starting his 37-year career as a State Farm insurance agent in Ann Arbor. With a sharp mind for sales and business, he served his clients well. Outside of work, he invested his time in the lives of his children and his local church community. In his spare time, he loved playing golf, tending his yard, and watching sports.
He was preceded in death by his mother Nancy (Davis) Birk (2014). He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deena (Lewis); his 6 children, Jeremy, Jessica (John) Cropsey, Amy (Jeff) Brink, Joshua (Andrea), Elissa (Josiah) Hoffman, Abigail (Samuel) Apple; his 14 grandchildren, Elise, Ethan, Micah, Caleb, Christopher, Samuel, Genevieve, Jonah, Benjamin, Liliana, Adelyn, Thomas, Elijah, Judah; his father, Robert Birk; and his siblings Timothy (Sandi), Brett (Tonya), Roxanne (Jeff) Boczar, and Sarah (Craig) Lorenz. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb 7 at Nie Funeral Home (Liberty Rd) from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. A memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held on Saturday, Feb 8 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor at 11AM. A private burial will take place at Highland Cemetery (family only). In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Kibuye Feeding Program (Serge Global) or Family Life Services of Washtenaw County.
Chris was a man of faith whose life was marked by love of family, service, integrity, generosity, humor, and hospitality. He was a member of the Word of Life Community (Ann Arbor) where he served as a leader for many years. He was also a member of Knox Presbyterian Church (Ann Arbor) and served 5 years on the board of Serge Global that supports works of mercy and ministry around the globe. He was loved and respected by many and will be deeply missed.
7/3/1955-1/31/2020
Ypsilanti
Chris died peacefully in his sleep at home at the age of 64 after a 17-month battle with brain cancer. A native of Ypsilanti, Chris earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University before starting his 37-year career as a State Farm insurance agent in Ann Arbor. With a sharp mind for sales and business, he served his clients well. Outside of work, he invested his time in the lives of his children and his local church community. In his spare time, he loved playing golf, tending his yard, and watching sports.
He was preceded in death by his mother Nancy (Davis) Birk (2014). He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Deena (Lewis); his 6 children, Jeremy, Jessica (John) Cropsey, Amy (Jeff) Brink, Joshua (Andrea), Elissa (Josiah) Hoffman, Abigail (Samuel) Apple; his 14 grandchildren, Elise, Ethan, Micah, Caleb, Christopher, Samuel, Genevieve, Jonah, Benjamin, Liliana, Adelyn, Thomas, Elijah, Judah; his father, Robert Birk; and his siblings Timothy (Sandi), Brett (Tonya), Roxanne (Jeff) Boczar, and Sarah (Craig) Lorenz. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb 7 at Nie Funeral Home (Liberty Rd) from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. A memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held on Saturday, Feb 8 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor at 11AM. A private burial will take place at Highland Cemetery (family only). In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Kibuye Feeding Program (Serge Global) or Family Life Services of Washtenaw County.
Chris was a man of faith whose life was marked by love of family, service, integrity, generosity, humor, and hospitality. He was a member of the Word of Life Community (Ann Arbor) where he served as a leader for many years. He was also a member of Knox Presbyterian Church (Ann Arbor) and served 5 years on the board of Serge Global that supports works of mercy and ministry around the globe. He was loved and respected by many and will be deeply missed.