Michael Anthony Birka

Michael Anthony Birka, 63, beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend passed away on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 in Minneapolis, MN in the arms of his brother, David. He was born in Dubuque, IA on July 27, 1955 to Donald and LaVonna “Bonnie” (Serna) Birka. He went to John Marshall high school, class of 1974. He joined the U.S. Navy and became a Combat Engineer and was with the Fighting Seabees from 1974-1978. He also served as a U.S. Army Reserve Specialist from 1982-1984. Mike moved to St. Cloud, MN and received his bachelor's degree in Marketing and International Business at St. Cloud State University. He married the love of his life, Ann Mullenbach, RN from LaCrosse WI on April 27, 1985. They moved to Seattle, WA where he worked as a Sales Representative for Hormel Foods, while Ann worked at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. They moved to Salt Lake City, UT and later to Arlington, TX, where their two sons were born. Garret was born on 9-25-1990 and Grayson was born on 7-28-1995. Mike has just received his 20 Year Service Award as a regional and international Sales Representative for Pactiv corporation. He covered the midwestern and southeastern United States, as well as many customers in Canada and Mexico. He was an advocate for his customers and they were also his friends. Mike will be missed in many ways by both his colleagues and customers. Mike enjoyed many sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings football and the Dallas Stars hockey (previously the Minnesota North Stars). He actively participated and always supported his boys school and extracurricular activities including coaching Little League Tee Ball and Kid Pitch baseball, recreational and select soccer, Korean and Olympic Tae Kwon Do martial arts, Cross-Country and Track & Field, concert and marching band, drum line concerts and competitions, piano recitals, artistic competitions, theatrical productions, academic awards and graduation ceremonies, and Fields Days and Bahama Bash school activities. Although he had high expectations from his boys, his love for them was unwavering and was always proud of their accomplishments. Mike loved his family fiercely and was over the moon for his sweetheart, Ann. He treated her like a queen, always considerate, loving and respectful. Mike also was an amazing cook from basic crock pot recipes, oven baked turkey, grilled chicken, smoked brisket, to rock salt prime rib. He learned how to cook from his mother, his Cajun buddy from the Navy and self taught. Mike loved to read about historical events and the study of planet earth. He was a humorous and witty conversationalist and was always a winner at trivial pursuit. His hobbies include tennis, skiing, boating, fishing, cooking and traveling. He was very close to his brother and sister. He would make an extra effort to visit David and Donna and their families in Minnesota, Wyoming, Arizona and Florida. Mike's sincerity and sparkle touched the lives of many friends, family, colleagues, and customers. He always greeted them with a smile and a positive attitude. He was great at telling funny jokes and known as the “Life of the Party”. Mike has cultivated a strong sense of stewardship at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church by serving as a eucharistic minister, leading missionary trips to Honduras, volunteering at the Parish Picnic, Fall Festival and Food Drive, and participated in youth ministry Confirmation classes and retreats. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Bonnie Birka. He is survived by his wife, Ann and two sons, Garret and Grayson, his brother, David and his sister Donna. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 6-7:30pm, Rosary from 7:30-8pm at Wade Funeral Home on 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington TX. Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:30am at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church on 5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Road, Arlington, TX. Celebration of Life reception to follow at the Johnson Activity Center, St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, followed by a procession to the National Cemetery at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX where military funeral honors will be provided. Wade Family Funeral Home 817-274-9233