August William Birk

August William Birk (aka Birk, Junior, Gus and Papa) loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, age 91, went to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the Lutheran Home. He was born April 10, 1925 in Cape Girardeau, to the late August Edward Birk and Edna Froemsdorf Birk. August and Patricia Tellis married September 19, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan. They were married for 65 years. August attended Trinity Lutheran School and Cape 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 United States 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 to join the family business - A.E. Birk & Son Plumbing and Heating. He retired from the United States Air Force Reserves and attained the rank of Major. He was the leader of the Civil Air Patrol in Cape for 15 years. He spent hundreds of hours flying over the years, 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 SEMO 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. He is survived by one sister, Betty Birk Roth of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Cynthia Birk Otto (Graham) of St. Louis, and Julie Birk of Pensacola, FL; son-in-law, Richard Schnarr of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Christopher Otto (Teresa) of St. Louis, Michael Otto (Nicole) of St. Louis, Randall Otto (Andrea) of St. Louis, Robert Otto (Maryann) of Nashville, TN, Caleb Schnarr of Denver, CO, Katlyn Schnarr Ginn (Cory) of Denver, CO, Laura Schnarr Cameron (Daniel) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Amie Birk of Pensacola, FL; 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 (AJ) Ginn. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one daughter, Patricia Birk Schnarr. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 12:00 noon Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape. The funeral service will be at 12:00 noon Tuesday at the church with Rev. Douglas Breite officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Cape County Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church.

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August William Birk

April 10, 1925 - September 28, 2016