B.W. Birk

BALLWIN, Mo. -- B.W. Birk, 85, of Ballwin, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, at Mercy Skilled Nursing Facility in Creve Coeur, Mo.

He was born April 16, 1926, in Cape Girardeau to Leo H. and Lydia A. Voshage Birk.

He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Mr. Birk was owner/operator of B.W. Birk & Associates Inc. from 1959 to 2006. He was a leading mechanical contractor in Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area. His firm was responsible for many large-scale mechanical contracting projects at sites including Noranda Aluminum, Saint Francis Medical Center, Southeast Missouri State University and Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment plant.

He and Janet R. Rosemann were married Sept. 30, 1984, in Ellisville, Mo.

He was a charter member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church and assisted in the construction and growth of the church serving on many boards. He has been a member of the Cape Girardeau Lions Club since 1971 and actively involved with its annual Pancake Day fundraiser.

Mr. Birk was a licensed private pilot and an avid golfer. During his prime golfing years he had the enjoyment of playing the old St. Andrews course in Scotland and Pebble Beach in California.

Survivors include his wife, Janet R. Birk of Ballwin; a daughter, Nancy E. (Mike) Buchanan of Cape Girardeau; a stepdaughter, Kim (Ed) Austin of Ballwin; a stepson, Rick (Donna) Stevens of Columbia, Mo.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating.

Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 804 N. Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

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