Melvin A. Birk

Melvin A. Birk, age 91, of Hastings, died Sunday, July 27, 2014 at his home surrounded by family. Melvin was born July 20, 1923 in Vermillion Township to Joseph and Marie (Reiter) Birk. He attended local schools and was a farmer in the Hastings area for many years. He also worked as a carpenter in the area. He married Martha (Werner) October 20, 1945 in Vermillion. He loved to fish and to spend time with his family. Melvin was preceded by his parents, a daughter Mary Birk, a brother William in childhood and a sister Pat Geronime. He is survived by his wife Martha, 6 children Barb (Ken) Hoffman of Richmond, MN, Bonnie Griess of Arvada, CO, Bill (Lori) Birk of Welch, Dave (Gina) Birk, Joe (Nancy) Birk and Sue Thompson all of Hastings, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and a sister Lorraine Sathra of St. Paul Park. Funeral Mass with Fr. Cole Kracke presiding and Fr. Lenny Andrie concelebrating, will be Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at 10:30 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 Fifteenth St. West, Hastings. A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2014 from 5-8 pm at the Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 Seventh St. E., Hastings, MN. and also 1 hour prior to the funeral at church on Wednesday. Interment will take place in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery in Hastings. The pallbearers are Chris Birk, Alec Birk, Randy Birk, Steve Birk, Todd Griess and Josh Griess.