Michael "Mike" Lee Birk, 68, of Lonedell, MO passed away in Washington on Friday, September 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born January 29, 1956 in St. Louis, MO; the son of Leroy and Thelma (nee Cockrell) Birk.  He grew up in St. Louis, MO and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1974.

He met the love of his life, Ruth Ann (Craven), in high school and they were united in marriage on August 5, 1977.  The couple was blessed to have been married for 47 wonderful years.

Mike was a member of the Carpenters Union in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked commercial construction in the St. Louis area for over 40 years.

In 1969 he earned the award of Eagle Scout.  His favorite pastime was spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Mike loved making furniture for his kids and grandkids, and making gifts for family at the holidays.  He enjoyed watching sports, especially following the St. Louis Cardinals, Mizzou football and all teams in the NFL.  He was an avid hunter of turkey and deer.  He loved being outdoors, spending time in the woods, especially in his hunting blind and tower stand.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Thelma Birk.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Birk; three children: Mike Birk and wife Melissa of Imperial, MO, David Birk and wife Michelle of Columbia, MO and Kate Riley and husband Eric of O'Fallon, MO; one sister, Mary Ann Franco and husband Richard of Wassilla, AK; six grandchildren: Taylor and Madysen Birk of Imperial, Nolan and Emmett Birk of Columbia and Addison and Norah Riley of O'Fallon, MO; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association are preferred.