Birgerson, Merrill 'Biff'

Merrill “Biff” Birgerson, 69, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital. Services: 2 p.m. Saturday at First Congregational Church by the Rev. David Hohmann, with military honors. The family will receive visitors after 1 p.m. at the church. A reception will follow the service.

Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer (Allan) Boettger of Cedar Rapids; sister, Alda (Kent) Walton of Arlington, Texas; mother, Eleanor Birgerson of Arlington, Texas; grandsons, Jordan and Micah Boettger; and special friend, Diana Tellier.

 He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Alexander Birgerson; and brother, Alexander Birgerson Jr. 

Biff was born Sept. 22, 1940, in Spring Valley, Ill., to Dr. Alexander and Eleanor Birgerson. He graduated from Onarga Military School and received a B.A. degree in history from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill.   He served in the Air Force for four years and following his college graduation, served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. He was employed at Rockwell-Collins for many years, retiring in 2006. 

Biff was a longtime member of the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale and First Congregational Church, where he enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir. His hobbies included golf, fishing, bowling, and working in his yard. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, family, and friends.

Memorials may be directed to either First Congregational Church or the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale.

Online condolences may be left at under obituaries.