Birky, Harold F.

Harold F. Birky, 84, of Northbrook Manor and formerly of Marion, died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at Northbrook after a short illness. Memorial services at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Community of Christ Church, where friends may call after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and where there also will be military rites. Rev. David Loy and Rev. Brenda Mitchell will officiate. Inurnment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; one son Harvey (Joey) of Red Oak; two daughters, Diane and Sandra Donovan, both of Dubuque; grandchildren, Lynn (Dan) McDermott and Lisa (Ron) Roling, all of Cascade, Emily (Brian) Mapes of Richmond, Va., Tim (Allison) Donovan of Monroe, Wis., Rose (and her fiancé, Wes) Donovan of Des Moines, John (special friend, Laurie) Donovan, of Zwingle, Ted Birky, of Bloomington, Ill., E.J. Zbylut and Nicole (Eric) Wingert, both of Omaha, Neb.; great grandchildren, Ashley Topping, Wil, Justin, Molly and Elizabeth Roling, Tyler and Nicole McDermott, Dylan Mapes and Tyler Wingert. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marguerite Mink.

Harold was born on Nov. 7, 1924, in Benton County, the son of Harry and Hazel Fisher Birky. He married Dorothy Clark on June 10, 1948, in Cedar Rapids. Harold was a building engineer for the Cedar Rapids Community Schools and retired from there in 1987 after more than 40 years of service.

He was a member of the Community of Christ Church, VFW Post 788, the DAV, a life member of both the 1st Marine Association, and China Marine Association and proudly served with the Marines during World War II.

Harold enjoyed wood working, the outdoors, fishing and especially time spent with his beloved family. He will be greatly missed. Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Mercy or the Alzheimer's Association in Harold's name. Please leave a message or tribute to the Birky family on our Web page, under Obituaries.