Don Birkel

Don Birkel, 72, of Surprise, died Monday, September 18, 2023 at his home in Surprise of natural causes.

Per Donnie’s wished, he will be cremated. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Donnie on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 2 – 5 pm at the Butler County Senior Center, 592 D St, David City, NE.

Donald (Don/Donnie) D. Birkel was born to Thomas L. and Betty M. (Martin) Birkel in David City, Nebraska on July 31, 1951, and passed away at his home in Surprise, Nebraska of natural causes, at the age of 72.

Don had a long career of welding and pipefitting, working all across the country on various power plants, refineries, industrial piping projects, and ethanol plants. He loved his work and took great pride in the quality of whatever he built. Don took many under his wing teaching them the trade and instilling a strong work ethic. He loved to travel, working long hours, and then taking time off to play. Don was very much a nature lover and loved the mountains (especially when there was good powder snow to ski). He enjoyed birds and wildlife watching, and looking at the night skies above him. Never having children himself, Don loved kids, his nieces and nephews who cherish the wonderful memories Don made with them. He spent his later years back in his hometown area in Nebraska, enjoying and helping family and friends. Don enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest on his terms.

He is survived by his siblings, Pat (Kerwin) Brown of Metamora, Illinois, Marty (Susan) Birkel of Bellwood, Nebraska, Deb (Jim) Litchfield of Wakefield, Nebraska, Sandy (Terry) Litchfield of Windsor, Colorado, Bob(Teresa) of Dwight, Nebraska, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Betty Birkel; siblings Virginia Birkel, Steve Birkel, and Leo Birkel, sister-in-law Betty Birkel, niece Heather Birkel, nephew Matthew Birkel.