August Birk

August William Birk (aka Birk, Junior, Gus and Papa), loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, age 91, went to his heavenly home Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born April 10, 1925, in Cape Girardeau to the late August Edward and Edna Froemsdorf Birk. August and Patricia Tellis married Sept. 19, 1948, in Detroit. They were married for 65 years.

August attended Trinity Lutheran School and Cape Girardeau Central High School. He graduated in 1943 and was a member of the undefeated, unscored-upon Tiger football team coached by Lou Muegge.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and trained to co-pilot the B-17 bomber. After World War II, he attended the University of Missouri and Fort Wayne Art School. At his father’s request, he returned to Cape Girardeau to join the family business, A.E. Birk & Son Plumbing and Heating.

He retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves and attained the rank of major. He was the leader of the Civil Air Patrol in Cape Girardeau for 15 years. He spent hundreds of hours flying over the years. It was his passion.

He was a charter member of the Exchange Club. August was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a proud Booster of Southeast Missouri State University athletics and the fine arts. He enjoyed golf, tennis and wood carving. In his later years, he enjoyed doing pen and ink drawings. His chain saw carvings and artwork adorn many homes, schools, parks and golf courses in the area.

August is survived by a sister, Betty Birk Roth of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Cynthia Birk (Graham) Otto of St. Louis and Julie Birk of Pensacola, Florida; a son-in-law, Richard Schnarr of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Christopher (Teresa) Otto, Michael (Nicole) Otto and Randall (Andrea) Otto, all of St. Louis, Robert (Maryann) Otto of Nashville, Tennessee, Caleb Schnarr and Katlyn Schnarr (Cory) Ginn, both of Denver, Laura Schnarr (Daniel) Cameron of Colorado Springs and Amie Birk of Pensacola; 14 great-grandchildren, Emma Otto, Jacob Otto, Avery Otto, Mickelson Otto, Macy Otto, Maximus Otto, Amelia Otto, Lennan Otto, Eleanor Otto, Brandon Otto, Damian Otto, Lucian Otto, Declan Otto and August John (A.J.) Ginn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and one daughter, Patricia Birk Schnarr.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at noon Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Douglas Breite officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.