Bill Birk

Bill Birk, 82, of Jackson died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, at Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born Sept. 29, 1936, in Cape Girardeau to Henry William and Laura Schmuke Birk. He and Roberta Lee Rafferty were married June 2, 1960. She preceded him in death Oct. 1, 2015.

He served two years in the U.S. Navy.

Bill attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, Jackson High School and Southeast Missouri State University.

He was a towboat engineer on the Mississippi River and a truck driver for Lutesville Pallet, worked at the City of Jackson Power Plant and retired from Procter & Gamble after 22 years.

He was an avid golfer at Kimbeland, where he served on the board, and also enjoyed quail hunting. In high school, he played football and was on the track team.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Survivors include his five sons, Andy, Rob (Debbie), Tony, Billy and Tyler (Krista) Birk; a daughter, Nancy (Gary) Seyer; 11 grandchildren, Jamie (Landon) Bollinger, Leslie (Andrew) Ratliff, Andy Jay Birk, Chelsea Patterson, Taylor (Dakata) Parks and Bailey Jo, Lilly, Tristan, Paisley, Hudson and Chandler Seyer; three great-grandchildren, Carson, Jaxson and Avery; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Lee Birk; mother, Laura Schmuke Lewis; stepfather, Wilson Lewis; father, Henry William Birk; and brother, Joe Birk.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., with parish prayers at 7 p.m., Wednesday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson, with the Rev. John Harth officiating. Entombment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Immaculate Conception Church.

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