Martha A. Birk

Martha A. Birk, age 96 of Hastings, formerly of Vermillion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Regina Assisted Living. Martha was born in Vermillion Township on October 12, 1921 to William P. and Margaret (Thurmes) Werner, the 6th of 10 children. She was united in marriage to Melvin A. Birk on October 20, 1945. Martha was a dedicated homemaker and a hardworking farmers wife. She enjoyed sewing and crafts of all kinds, fishing and traveling with her husband, Melvin. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin (2014); daughter, Mary (1994); son-in-law, Gary Griess (1994); and siblings, Lenora, Tony, Florence, Rosella, Ernest, Theresa, Arnold, and Leonard. Martha is survived by children, Barbara (Ken) Hoffman of Richmond, MN, Bonnie Griess, of Denver, CO, Bill (Lori) Birk, Dave (Gina) Birk, Joe (Nancy) Birk, and Susan Thompson, all of Hastings; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Lawrence (Lorraine) Werner; sister-in-law, Viola Werner; and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 20, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Leonard Andrie officiating. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings, and also for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning. Marthas family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Regina Assisted Living for the love and care provided to Martha over the years. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.