Mary K. (Lehner) Birk

Dec. 26, 1933 - Dec. 15, 2015

GRANGER - Mary Katherine (Lehner) Birk, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday at 3:01 pm with her family at her side. Mary was born and died in Granger, always living within a couple miles of her birth home.

She was born in the old farm house that was recently moved from SR 23 and Gumwood Rd., on December 26th, 1933, to the late Martin A. and Evelyn E. (Costello) Lehner. She later moved to and was raised on the property where Juday Creek Golf Course is today. Her biggest enjoyments in life were her children, grandchildren, cooking, gardening, quilting, garage sales, auctions, fishing, and organizing absolutely everything.

Mary met Devon “Bud” Birk at a barn dance in 1948 and they married on June 28, 1952 he survives in Granger. She also leaves to cherish her memory a son, Michael (Cindy) Birk, and their children: Amy and Mitch, all of St Joseph, MI; a daughter, Sharon (Randy) Lawton of Granger, and their children: Kayla (Chris) Anderson of Edina, MN, and Lee (Cristy) Wisler of Mishawaka.

She was predeceased by a son, Robert (Kelly) Birk of Granger, and their children: Ryan (Margo), and their son, Owen of Brownsburg, IN, and Lisa (Nick) Dudeck of Fort Wayne, IN. Other survivors include a brother, Carl (Mary Anne) Lehner and their four children; a sister, Dorothy (Clem) Degucz of Granger, and their son.

A sister also preceeded her in death, Betty (Jerry) Rabe of LaGrange, and their three children, one of whom is deceased.

Mary will be greatly missed by not only her family but Bud’s family and many friends as well.

Visitation will be on Friday from 5-8 pm at McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Fir Rd at SR 23, with Msgr. William Schooler, Pastor, of ciat- ing. Friends may also call one hour prior to Mass in the church.

Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. The family wishes to thank all of the 5th & 6th floor nurses, doctors, and staff of St. Joseph Regional Hospital for their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

To send condolences to the family or for directions log on to: www. McGannHay.com.

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

09/01/2024 EJS