Herbert Birbeck

Herbert E. Herb Birbeck, age 75 of North Mankato died Saturday, April 17, 2004 at his home.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Centenary United Methodist Church, Mankato, with Rev. Dean Wolf officiating. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Peter, MN. Visitation 5-7 pm Tuesday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. If so desired, memorials may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church or to an organization of the donors choice.

Mr. Birbeck was born February 25, 1929 in King City, MO to Ray and Mary Ella (Evans) Birbeck. Herbert graduated from King City High School and received a B.S. degree in Education from Tarkio College, Tarkio, MO. Mr. Birbeck earned his Master Degree at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. and his Ph.D. from University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. He served in the U.S. Army from January of 1951 to January of 1953 and then spent 3 years in the U. S. Army Reserve.

He was united in marriage to Marilyn M. Berrier on August 25, 1957 in Onawa, IA. He retired from State University " Mankato after chairing the Special Education Dept. for 25 years. Dr. Birbeck was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and Mankato Rotary Club. He enjoyed the civil war period, spending time with family at their cabin on Lake Washington.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn M. Birbeck; three children, Vicky Peterson and husband, Dennis of Forest Lake, Tom Birbeck of Minneapolis, Jim Birbeck of So. St. Paul; three grandchildren, Joel, Cary and Soren Peterson; two sisters, Mary Bush and husband, Jack of Dallas, TX, Virginia Howe and husband, Virgil of Hays, KS; one brother, Robert Birbeck of Hays, KS; nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lester.