Thomas "Tom" Roy Birkenstock, 79, of Burlington, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at the Azria Health Prairie Ridge in Mediapolis.
Born July 16, 1944, in Burlington, he was the son of Roy George and Marjorie Maude Holsteen Birkenstock. On Feb. 26, 1966, he married Sue Ellen Maupin in Dodgeville.
He graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1966. Tom spent his lifetime working as a farmer and he was always "Outstanding in his field".
He was a U.S. National Guard Veteran, serving for six years.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Dodgeville, where he served on the church council for many years, taught Sunday School, and was a pre-marital sponsor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Tom especially enjoyed attending their events and vacationing with them. He had a very outgoing personality, was always very generous, and never knew a stranger.
Survivors include wife, Sue Ellen Birkenstock of Burlington; one daughter, Anne Marie (Brian) Abel of Yarmouth; two sons, Joseph Jeffrey (Shawn) Birkenstock of Burlington and Brian Thomas (Veronica) Birkenstock of Frisco, Texas; seven grandchildren, Lindsey, Josh, Kasey, Blake, Brianna, Andrew and Lauren; seven great-grandchildren, Jake, Mateo, Tomas, Sela, Kenna, Jess and Henry and many bonus grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Jack, Daniel, and Richard.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dodgeville, 13204 Dodgeville Road, Sperry, IA.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Birkenstock will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dodgeville with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dodgeville. A time of food and fellowship will be held at St. Mary's Parish Center in Dodgeville following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for St. Mary's Catholic Church of Dodgeville.