Jeannine Birk

Jeannine C. Birk, 73, Austin, Minnesota, died Monday, April 2, 2012 at her home surrounded by family. She was born in Austin, Minnesota to Leo and Viola Rauen on April 29, 1938. On February 15, 1958 she married Russell F. Birk, Jr. of Austin, and they made their home in Bloomington, Minnesota and then moved to a hobby farm in New Prague where they raised their family. Jeannine was a gifted cake decorator and baker. Jeannine enjoyed spending time at their lake home and playing cards with family and friends. Jeannine is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Birk, her parents, Leo and Viola Rauen, and a grandson, William Birk. Jeannine is survived by her children Russell Birk III (Nancy) of Aurora, Minnesota; Dorothy Johnson (Tom) of New Prague, Minnesota; Darrell Birk (Gloria) of Smyrna, Tennessee; Richard Birk (Kay) of Shakopee, Minnesota; Holly Brezina (Richard) of Lonsdale, Minnesota; Fred Birk (Rose) of New Prague, Minnesota; and Ellie Birk (Gary) of Jordan, Minnesota; 24 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and brothers Ray Rauen (Carol), Phil Rauen (Lori), Tom Rauen (Diann); sisters Caroline Huber (Galen), Sally Klapperick, Janice Palmeri (John), Rosie LaFrance (Dana), Linda Ivanic (Jim), Leann Jacobson (Rick) and Sandy Auringer (Mark). A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. There will be a 5 pm CCW rosary and a 7:30 pm wake service on Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5-8 pm and also one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to The American Cancer Society.

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