Anthony J. Birzer

Anthony J. “Tony” Birzer, 62, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at Hospice House of Olathe. A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by a family and friends visitation at 7:00 p.m. Interment, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post No. 5901. Tony was born Sunday, March 29, 1953, in Ellinwood, Kansas, the son of Jerome and Mildred (Norris) Birzer. He lived in Lawrence, Kansas, from 1978 until moving to Ottawa in 1983. He graduated from Ellinwood High School with the Class of 1971 and continued his education at the University of Kansas, graduating in 1982, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Tony served in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1978 as a Machinist Mate and then was a member of the reserves from 1978 to 1983. Tony was united in marriage with Betty Boodro on August 18, 1984, in Lawrence, Kansas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his two daughters, Jennifer and Jaime Birzer, both of Ottawa; mother, Mildred Birzer of Ellinwood; siblings, Tim Birzer and wife Donetta of Lyons, Marvin Birzer and wife Belita of Hutchinson, Steve Birzer and wife Janice of Ellinwood, Kathy Hertel and husband Glen of Ellinwood, and Bernie Rahe and husband Greg of Emporia; brother and sister-in-law, John Fig and Yvette Boodro of San Diego, California; nieces and nephews, Joe, Sarah and Ryan Birzer, Elias Birzer, Cole and Connor Birzer and Kelsey Yeakley, Jill, Jesse and Jason Wahlmeier, Lyndsae Hertel, and Dan and Megan Rahe. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Birzer. Tony worked as a mechanical engineer for thirty-one years at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, retiring January 1, 2015. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post No. 5901, East Kansas Navy Association, Knights of Columbus Council No. 3018, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and USS Henry B. Wilson DDG-7 Association. Tony enjoyed family gatherings, grilling, yard work, bowling, reading National Geographic, watching the news, fixing things, interacting with Navy and work buddies, happy hour, eating ice cream, and spending time with his three favorite girls. Tony will be deeply missed and remain in the hearts and thoughts of his family and friends forever. The family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Catholic Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Tony’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.