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1962
2014
Ronnie L. Birch, 51, of Loami, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on May 18, 1962 in Springfield to Thomas E. and Eleanor Meyer Birch. He married Jennie Massey in Elkhart on Feb. 25, 1995, and she survives.
Mr. Birch is also survived by his son, Brendan (fiancé, Liz Forbes) Birch of Loami; his mother, Eleanor Birch; twin brother, Donnie (Christine) Birch; brother, Phil (Tina) Birch, all of Mason City; and his sister Kay Birch Shelabarger of Petersburg; 13 nieces; seven nephews; two great-nieces; and one great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his father.
Ronnie started a 30-plus year career in agriculture with the Fancy Prairie Elevator before moving to Frank Farms in Athens. He then worked for Ruby Pork in Auburn, Clarkson Grain in Beardstown, Farmers Grain in New Berlin, and he was currently employed by CHS Inc., at the Lowder facility. Ronnie enjoyed carpentry work, metal work, welding, collecting and restoring vintage tractors and gardening. Mr. Birch was a member of Loami Christian Church.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, with burial to follow at Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Loami. The family will meet friends 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Bisch West. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ronald Birch at the University of Chicago Medicine. Checks may be made payable to the "University of Chicago Medicine" and sent to the following address: University of Chicago Gift and Record Services, Ronald Birch Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, Chicago, IL 60615. Or, you are welcome to direct individuals to make a gift online using the following instructions: please direct individuals to visit our website: http://supportucmc.uchicago.edu/, click on "Make a Gift" and in the special instructions window individuals can enter "Ronald Birch Memorial – Kindler Research" and please visit the online life remembered story at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Many condolences to Ronnie's entire family as you struggle with coming to terms with the loss of a husband, son, brother, and friend. I have so many memories of growing up with Ronnie and I am lucky to have been able to call him my friend. Blessings to you all.
Bruce Leigh
March 13, 2014
Eleanor, Kay, Phil and Donnie...so sorry for your loss. I always thought Ronnie was a very nice fellow growing up. My heart is heavy with sadness. He is in Gods arms now and suffers no more. Try to think of that when you are missing him. Thoughts to his wife and son also.
Bobbi Bender
March 12, 2014
Jennie, Brenden, and the Birch Family,
We want to offer our deepest sympathy to you during this very difficult time. Ronnie was a great guy and we enjoyed his friendship and working with him. He will be missed.
Annie Weidhuner and Mark and Kathy Schreiner
March 7, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jayme (Finn) Riley and Pastor Jim Finn
March 5, 2014
Johnnie,,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time..I am so sorry to hear of you loss..your friend forever.
Karen EVANS
March 5, 2014
Jennie and family, we are so Sorry for the loss of ronnie youre in our thought and prayers
ralph and linda mccarty
March 4, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kim Gebhardt-Swanson
March 4, 2014
Our condolences to the Birch and Massey families. We are so sorry for your loss.
Yolanda, Scott and C.J. Clotfelter
March 4, 2014
My greatest sympathy for the Birch family during this time. Ronnie was a very inspirational, caring, kind man. He will be greatly missed by many. I hold his family near and dear to my heart. Our newest puppy Sadie will forever be a great symbol of Ronnie and his family.
Marissa Bartolomucci
March 4, 2014
Jennie and Brendan,
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are shocked to hear about Ronnie. Mike enjoyed working with him at Frank Farms and we were blessed with your friendship between our families. We send our prayers of peace and our love.
Mike and Kris Armour
March 3, 2014
We are so sorry for the loss of Ronnie. He will be missed. Prayers and thoughts r with u all.
crystal, nick, kiara and zoe mason
March 3, 2014
So sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. We did not know him, personally, but his niece, Traci Bramwell Onken is our daughter in law. Prayers to the entire Birch family.
Lynne & Jim Onken
March 3, 2014
I was so sorry to hear about Ronnie passing. The whole family has my sympathy and are in my prayers.
Sandy Hagan
March 3, 2014
Dave & Trina Tillery
March 3, 2014
All our love.
Andy, Becky Logan and Aubrey Minett
March 3, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Birch family in this difficult time.
Paul Day
March 3, 2014
Jennie, Brenden, and all the Birch family, we are so sorry for your loss. Ronnie was a great person and a great friend. May you find the peace in knowing he is in heaven and no longer suffering. He will be missed tremendously but we still have all the great memories of him. May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Karl and Dawn Weidhuner and family
March 2, 2014
Michael and I send prayers to be with the Birch family during this time and in the time to follow. Ronnie was an awesome person and I am proud to have known him.
Michelle & Michael Birch
March 2, 2014
We are so sorry for the loss of Ronnie. He was a very kind man and will be missed by many. Praying you will find comfort knowing he is in Heaven and no longer suffering. He will forever be watching over you.
Don, Barb and Daniel Kolar
March 2, 2014
Jonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. Let your good memories sustain you and help you through this difficult time. Ronnie is at peace now.
Marj Schwager End of the Rainbow
March 2, 2014
Jennie, Donnie, Chris, Ashlei, Evan & Hailey,
Words can not even begin to express how sorry we are, while you struggle with the loss of Ronnie. He put up such a fight. I pray for peace in the days, weeks and months to come, for all of you!! Hugs to all of you!
Lindy, Danielle, Magon, Kyle & Jayson
Danielle Pope
March 2, 2014
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