Ardith Birkmann

WASHINGTON, Mo. -- Ardith DeAnne Birkmann of Washington was born July 11, 1937, in Altenberg, Mo., daughter of the late Henry Krahn and wife, Adelma, nee Klaus. She passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in Washington at the age of 72 years.

She received her education at Trinity Lutheran School and Cape Girardeau Central High School. She received her registered nurse degree at Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis. She later received her BSN from St. Louis University and her MSN from the University of Missouri. On May 31, 1958, Ardith was united in marriage to Gerald P. Birkmann at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. For several years she was an instructor of nursing at East Central College in Union, Mo., and she also worked at St. John's Mercy Hospital in St. Louis until her retirement.

Mrs. Birkmann was a lifelong Lutheran Christian and was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Melle, Mo., at the time of her death. During her younger years, Ardith often sang for church services and special occasions. She also enjoyed playing her piano and doing needlepoint and knitting. She was very interested in the local schools and was a member of the Washington School Board for nine years, serving one term as president.

Mrs. Birkmann is survived by her husband, Dr. Gerald P. Birkmann of Washington; a son, Dr. Mark G. Birkmann and wife, Jodi, nee Lickliter, of Washington; two daughters, Anne K. Birkmann of Smyrna, Ga., and Julia D. Birkmann of Fort Collins, Colo.; two sisters, Kay Hopson and husband Kenneth of St. Louis and Madelyn Rasche of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Myranda, Justin, Joshua, Mariah, Marie and Julia; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives; and friends.

The funeral is being held Saturday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The Birkmann Family was served by the Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington.

To send condolences, visit www.oltmannfuneralhome.com.