Wakarusa, IN - Richard "Dick" C. Birk, age 85 of Wakarusa, passed away on Monday afternoon, Aug. 10, at his residence after an extended illness.

Richard was born on March 16, 1941 in St. Joseph County, Indiana, to Clarence and Opal (Hathaway) Birk.

Dick was a 1959 graduate of Madison High School and lived his entire life in the Wakarusa area.

On Sept. 8, 1963, Richard married Nancy Letherman at Zion United Church of Christ in Wakarusa.

Dick worked for Brown and Brown General Contractors, Inc. in Wakarusa, retiring after 47 years of service to the company.

He was a member of the Carpenter's Union #413.

In retirement, Dick worked for 15 years at the Wakarusa Public Library.

He was a former member of the Madison Township Lions Club.

Dick was a devoted member of the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. He served many years as a trustee at the church and went on over 30 mission trips through the church with Mennonite Disaster Services.

Dick is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Nancy Birk of Wakarusa; 2 sons, Steve (Jaclyn) Birk of Elkhart and Scott (Kim) Birk of Wakarusa; 4 grandchildren, Cameron, Matthew, Madelyn, and Ryan Birk; a sister, Shirley Davidhizar of Hunstville, Texas; a sister-in-law, Janice Birk of Simpsonville, South Carolina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Eric Birk; and siblings, Francis Moore, Devon "Bud" Birk, and Dale Birk.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa, 501 N. Elkhart St. Wakarusa, Indiana 46573.

Private family burial will take place in Olive West Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church, 64901 County Road 11, Goshen, Indiana 46526.

Memorial Contributions in Dick's name can be given to Paradigm Hospice.