Vera O Birke

VERA O. BIRKE, 89, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2020 peacefully at her home.

She was born to the late Robert and Mabel (nee Carr) Laurent on September 23, 1930 in rural Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.

Vera married Edward “Eddie” L. Birke, Jr. on October 16, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois: he preceded in death on September 9, 2006.

Vera was a homemaker.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Red Bud, Illinois, Altar Sodality and Senior Circle. She helped with funeral luncheons at the church and enjoyed going to the nursing home and helping the residents play bingo.

Survivors:

6 Sons:

Gary (Susie) Birke Red Bud, IL

Bob Birke Red Bud, IL

Ron (Gwen) Birke Ballwin, MO

Don (Debbie) Birke Evansville, IL

Jim (Joan) Birke Red Bud, IL

Jeff (Katrina) Birke Red Bud, IL

4 Sisters:

Irma Braun Red Bud, IL

Carm (Marshall) Brewer Ellis Grove, IL
Roberta Laurent Red Bud, IL

Joyce (Mike) Klickovich Navarre, FL

2 Sisters-in-law:

Doris Eggemeyer Red Bud, IL

Helen Hilke Chesterfield, MO

11 Grandchildren:

Lori (Rob) Harbaugh, Lindsay (Josh) Eckart, Rachel (Rich) Mazur, Adam (Helen) Birke, Kelly (Jheri) Riedel,

Paula (Jorge) Garcia, Cheri (Lonnie) Cleveland, Julie Birke, Joel (Nancy) Birke, Amber (Zach) Blow and Josh Birke

10 Great Grandchildren:

Claire & Jacob Harbaugh, Charlie & Meredith Riedel,

Parker, Sutton & Beckett Eckart and Lukcan, Brett & Mitchell Cleveland

2 Great-Great Grandchildren:

Conner & Henry Cleveland

Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in death by: Parents, Husband, 2 Brothers – Milton Laurent and Bob Laurent and 2 Grandchildren – Amy Birke & Jill Birke

Funeral Mass:

10:00 am, Saturday, February 1, 2020

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, Illinois

Officiating:

Msgr. Dennis Schaefer

Interment:

St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery

Red Bud, Illinois

Visitation:

Friday – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday – 8:00 am – 9:45 am

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois

Memorials:

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Hospice of Southern Illinois