LARRY DALE BIRK

Larry Dale Birk, age 72, of Columbia City passed away at 2:34 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born on January 11, 1936 in Mishawaka, IN, he was the son of Elmer W. and Ruth L. (Zink) Birk.A resident of Fort Wayne and Whitley County for 42 years, he has resided in Columbia City since 1978. He graduated from Mishawaka High School with the Class of 1954 and then attended DeVry University, graduating with an Associates Degree in Electronics in 1966. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1963. In 1962 he married Marilyn LeClercq in Lakeville, IN. He was employed with IBM for over 30 years as a customer engineer. He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church.Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Marilyn Birk of Columbia City; 3 sons, Gary (Valerie) Birk of Yorktown, IN, Daryl (Holly) Birk of Avilla, IN and Brian Birk of Albion, IN; a brother, Richard (Sandra) Birk of Granger, IN; 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents.Visitation is Tuesday, November 25, 2008 from 3-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral service is Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 10 am at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Arnold of Columbia City United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be at South Park Annex Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr. Birk to Columbia City United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.Click here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.