Michael ‘Birky’ E. Birkholz

Mike was born on April 29, 1939 in West Bend, Wisconsin, the son of Karl and Honora (Murphy) Birkholz. Mike was raised and attended school in Brookfield, Wis. After graduating, MIke worked for Brookfield Highway Department for four years and then went on to buy his own tree service called Elmbrook that he operated for six years. He relocated to Gladstone in 1969 and owned and operated a retail liquidation store, which is where he met the love of his life and they married in 1971. He became the father of all seven of Evelyn’s children and later took in her grandson and raised him since he was an infant. The love he had for his children will always hold a special place in their hearts forever. Together they spent 53 years of marriage making memories.

Mike was the proud owner of M&B Auto Parts that he shared with a partner for 23 years until his retirement. Then he put all of his time into his passion, Market America, in which he was an unfranchise owner for 35 years. Mike and Evelyn bought and operated the Bavarian Bakery in Gladstone from 1988 to 1993.

Mike had many hobbies he enjoyed while living in Milwaukee in his younger years. You could always find him out on the water waterskiing and entertaining his friends. He was also known as the limbo king of Milwaukee, which he was very proud of. You could also always find him outside tending to his garden and flowers. He could make anything grow. Mike had a Honda Gold Wing named the Rambling Rose that he and Evelyn enjoyed traveling on every summer with friends. One of their greatest memories was camping at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Tennessee and parting with her husband Mooney. Mike was also a proud member of the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, and Yacht Club. He also was a great inspiration to many people, family or not. He was always rooting for everyone’s success. Most importantly, he loved his family and his dogs, Ling Ling and Mai Ling. He was a kind, giving, and adventurous man who will be missed by many.

Mike is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Fred (Donna) Khollman, Anna (Mike) Gasperich, Chris (Dave) Hamrin, Randy Khollman, Michelle (Greg) Anderson, Roxann (Mike) Hebert, Ricky (Sarah) Khollman; sister, Susan Thomas; grandchildren, Crystal, Cory, Jason, Heather, Jacob, Erin, Brandon, Jarred, Miranda, Ethan, Conor, Mike, and Jessica; a great-great grandchild; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Honora, brothers Timothy and Karl, sister Maureen “Sissy”, daughter Cathy Khollman, and grandsons Travis Hebert and Tommy Khollman.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services followed by a time of sharing honoring Mike will begin at 4 p.m. with Rev. Fr. Brandon Yanni officiating. A luncheon will follow services at the Gladstone Yacht Club.