James D. Birke

August 3, 1973 - March 29, 2021

James D. Birke, 47, of Mason City died tragically Monday March 29, 2021 after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle. A celebration of his life will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10th, 2021 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City, IA with Father Kenneth Gehling officiating. The family will greet friends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, April 9th, 2021 at the funeral chapel. James Dean Birke was born August 3, 1973 in Iowa City. He grew up in Mason City and attended Mason City High School. On October 7th, 1991 he started dating Sarah Propst who would become the love of his life. They married January 27th, 1995 and had 2 beautiful daughters, Melodee and Elora completing their family and becoming the people he cherished most. For the past several years he has worked at Rausch Brothers out of Ionia, making good friends with some of his coworkers. James led a life of experiences and making memories with his family and friends. Living life to the fullest with his family by his side was the important thing to him. He loved children and animals. Becoming a beloved extra Grandpa to many of the children born to his daughter’s friends and loving his own cats and other’s pets. The family took many road trip vacations with the goal of visiting all 50 states, they have almost completed this bucket list journey and will look forward to finishing it with him in their hearts. Sarah and James traveled to many countries in the Caribbean most recently taking a vacation to Punta Cana to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. He loved the adventures of both exploring new places and trying new and exotic foods. Often grossing others out with his choices of delicacies like bone marrow, haggis and specialty sea foods. He enjoyed the pastimes of fishing, ice fishing, listening to music, was a diehard Raiders fan and riding his motorcycle either alone or on day trips with friends. He loved to grill and experiment with his new smoker for the meals he shared every Sunday on family day. Always living his life, traveling near and far, hanging out with family and friends to the beat of his favorite songs and attending live concerts whenever he could. Love him or hate him he lived his life unapologetically making strong friends, nurturing the close and loving family of his own that he did not have growing up. He has left a mark, will be missed, will not be forgotten and will live forever in the hearts of those he knew. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sarah; his daughters, Melodee and Elora; a sister-in-law, Emily (Chris) Kingery; siblings Kim Snyder, Jerry Birke, and Billie Jo Birke; mother Julie (Merlin) Gorder; Sarah’s father, Clark (Eileen) Propst; step-mother Rita Birke, and her children, Val and Tony; nieces and nephews, Lane (Allie), Riley, Lily, Steven (Ashley), Crystal (Brannon), Emily (Maverick), Liz, Austin, Bobbi Jo, Alex, and Blaine; as well as numerous extended family members and friends. Preceding him in death are his dad, Lewis Birke; maternal and paternal grandparents; Sarah’s grandmother, Doris Price and close friend, Jefferson Davis.