It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce Donald E.
Birzer, age 86, of Colby, KS, passed away on October 27, 2022.
He was born in Brownell, Kansas, on January 23, 1936, to Frank and Eleanor (Rupp) Birzer.
Don attended Brownell High School, went to the Army from 1954-56,
stationed in Hanau Germany. After the military, he attended trade school
for automotive body repair. He was in automotive body repair for over
40 years and worked and owned Lyles Body shop for 30 years.
On November 28, 1959, he was united in marriage with Betty Kraft at the
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McCracken, KS and from that marriage two
beautiful living children were born, Mitchell and Staci.
He was a current member of Sacred Heart Church, Colby, Kansas. After he
sold Lyles Body Shop, he worked as a Storm Trooper at Farm Bureau for 15
years and Pioneer Seed for 25 years. He was previously active in the
American Legion and Knights of Columbus for many years. In his earlier
years, he enjoyed farming. He was a true handyman/volunteer, enjoyed
dancing, socializing, playing cards, and had a beautiful lawn and
garden.
Don is survived by his son, Mitch (Anita), Nortonville, KY; daughter,
Staci (Kevin) Murray, Manhattan, KS; four living grandchildren, Justin
(Allie) Murray, Wichita, KS, Bethany Murray of Wichita, KS, Danielle
Birzer of Phoenix, AZ, and Jackson Birzer of Nortonville, KY and two
great grandchildren, Hudson Murray and Cohen Murray. He will be truly
missed by all that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty (Kraft); his daughter,
Roxanne; his parents, Frank and Eleanor Birzer; three sisters, and a
granddaughter, Ashley Murray.
Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m., with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov.
3, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. A funeral mass will be celebrated
on Friday, Nov 4, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,
Colby. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Nov 5, 2022, at
Sacred Heart Cemetery, Colby.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sacred Heart Church at 585 N. French Ave or the Senior Progress Center, 165 Fike Park St. Colby, KS. Baalmann Mortuary, Colby is handling the arrangements. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com