Memorial

John D. Birnbaum, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids.  Services: 10 AM on Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha with Rev. Daniel Krueger officiating.  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 4 to 7 PM at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and 9-10 AM on Saturday at the church.  Burial will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

John was born on August 7, 1926 in Rockford, Illinois.  His family, father and mother, John and Christina soon moved to Chicago with his sister, Ellen and brother, Hans.  Upon graduating from high school, he joined the US Air Force as a cadet.  He then attended University of Michigan where he met his future wife, Ruth.  They married February 4, 1950 and were blessed with 3 children, John (Terri), Tina (David) and Kay.  He had 4 grandchildren, John (Jodi), Andrea (Phil) Stankard, Janet Styf and Dan (Alisha) Styf.  He was very proud of his 2 great grandsons, John and Jaxsen.  He worked at Phillips Radio, Sylvania Radio, Mueller Brass and was employed at Rockwell Collins for 30 years.  He enjoyed being a part of the UNI “chain gang” and was inducted in the Kennedy High School Booster Club Hall of Fame.  He was also an avid bicyclist and jewelry maker. He always took care of “us” who knew and loved him.

Special thanks to Dr. Campbell, Dr. Celis, Rev. Krueger, Chaplain Eccles, and Mercy ICU nurse Amy.

Memorial funds may be directed to Concordia Seminary Student Aid Fund, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 or Zion Lutheran Church, 201 1st Avenue, Hiawatha, Iowa 52233.