John Birk

CROSS PLAINS - John "Jack" Birk, 82, of Cross Plains, Wis., passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, at Oak Park Place Nakoma, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Jack was born on June 27, 1944, in Blue Earth, Minn., to John and Leone Birk. As the eldest son of nine children, he learned early the values of responsibility, hard work, and family that would shape the rest of his life.

After graduating from high school in 1962, Jack proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force, where he served honorably until 1966. During his time in the military, he married the love of his life, Vivian Borgen, in May 1964. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another for more than 62 years.

Jack began his career at Kayser Ford, working as a Frame Technician before becoming Body Shop Manager. He later joined General Casualty Insurance as a Claims Specialist, where he worked until his retirement in 2010.

Jack enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, hunting, card games like cribbage and euchre, and listening to old country music. He also loved spending time watching the ships pass through the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, documenting all the ships he saw. But his greatest joy was always his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He often expressed how grateful he was for Vivian and the wonderful life they created together. His family was his pride and purpose, and nothing brought him more happiness than gathering with those he loved.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian Birk; his sons, David (Beth) Birk and Brad Birk (friend, April); daughter, Rhonda (Allen) Smillie; and seven cherished grandchildren, Nicole (Dakota) Niemeier, Sarah (Steven) Louis, Annie (Aaron) Metz, Rachel Birk, Brooke (Phoebe) DeBates-Thrall, Sebastian Birk, and Michaela Birk. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Kaelynn Niemeier, Kennedi Niemeier and Ridge Louis.

He is further survived by his sisters, Joan Griep, Marilyn Wallace, Kat (Ross) Nesbit and Joleen (Todd) Hassel; brothers, Bob Birk, Dick (Phyllis) Birk and Mike (Brenda) Birk; sister-in-law, Violet Birk; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard (Rosie) Borgen and Janice (Ronnie) Volden; dear friend, Mike O'Donnell; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leone Birk; brother, Thomas Birk; sister-in-law, Joan Birk; and his brothers-in-law, Bob Griep and Bill Wallace.

Above all else, Jack was a family man. He found his greatest joy in the following titles Husband, Dad, Papa and Great-Papa, and he treasured every moment spent with those he loved. His dedication to his family, his honorable service to his country, and his enduring faith in God and the importance of family will forever be remembered by all whose lives he touched.

“Love you Much.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s name to the American Cancer Society, Heat and Housing for Heroes, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with Fr. Grant Thies presiding. A graveside service with military honors will follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff of Oak Park Place Nakoma and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care and support.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains
Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141