Walter L. Birr

Mankato Mortuary 1001 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 388-2202 Walter Louis Birr, age 87, of rural Good Thunder, died Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at his home. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Good Thunder with Rev. Rudolph H. Maurer Jr., officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m., Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church and will continue one hour before service at the church on Monday. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society, or the donor's choice. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Walter was born September 9, 1927 to Bernhard A. and Ida (Bartsch) Birr on the family farm in Beauford Township, Blue Earth County, where he lived his entire life. He was united in marriage to Louise P. Welsh on March 29, 1948 at the First Baptist Church, Mankato. He was a Dairy Farmer on the family farm, his entire life, retiring in 1998. The farm was designated a century farm in 1991. He was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he served on the finance board and elder board. He was also active with the PTL, PTO, and was a 4-H leader for 18 years. He served on the Waldorf Creamery Board and the American Dairy Association Board. He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. Walter is survived by his wife of 67 years, Louise; four children, Steve (Melissa) Birr of Mapleton, Kathy (Curt) Hanson and Mark (Linda) Birr all of Good Thunder, Julie (Lee) Marvin of Lindstrom; eleven grandchildren, Michelle (Daniel) Straumann, Andrew (Megan) Birr, Kayla Birr, Jon (Sherri) Hanson, Lana (Sander) Nassan, Bernhard "Ben" (Jodi) Birr, Melissa (Rob) Danks, Angela (Jason) Andreen, Brandon, Makenzie, and Alex Marvin; eighteen great-grandchildren, Breanna, Emilia, David, and Nathaniel Straumann, Kaitlyn, Lillyan, and Everett Birr, Annalise (Dan Rigdon) Hanson, Taylor, Robert, and Rosie Hanson, Ariana (Aaron) Heide, Annabelle and Wyatt Birr, Robert and Hannah Danks, Aiden and Emily Andreen; brother, Arno (Marion) Birr of River Falls, WI; many nieces and nephews. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Laurina (Edwin) Bunde and many extended family.