Calvin Birch

Calvin Birch, age 86 of Decorah, IA, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at WinnMed in Decorah, IA, surrounded by family.

Calvin donated his body to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for medical and science purposes.

Please see the link provided for the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Legf09tnklc

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St., Decorah, IA. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Calvin was born Feb 22, 1939, in Burley, ID, and moved to Salmon, ID, as an infant. He married Sharon K. Stee of Decorah, IA. They met in Salmon, ID, while Sharon was visiting Salmon, ID, and Calvin was on leave from the Navy. Calvin entered the Navy in 1956 at the age of 17. They married June 6th, 1959, in San Diego, CA.

They moved their family to Decorah, IA in the 1972 from Lebanon, OR. Calvin retired from Deco Products after working there 32 years.

Calvin enjoyed playing pool, winning several 1st place trophies. Passionate about golfing and coin collecting, of which he was very knowledgeable. He really enjoyed dancing to the Rubber Band at Matters Ballroom or any musical event. Calvin was a regular at the Haymarket playing Pinochle with his friends and rummy with his sister in-law Janet.

Calvin is survived by his children, Valerie Lee (Kevin Lafferty) Decorah, IA, Kevin Birch (Elaine Andrews) Protivin, IA, Darcy Birch (Aaron Vroman) Waterloo, IA and Kelly Holkesvik (Lowell) Rochester, MN. Grandsons Cody Sanderson and Jesse Goble. Sister Ann Phillips Lebanon, OR. 7 step grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren.

Calvin was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Sharon. Father Lewis Birch and bother Sam Birch of Salmon, ID. And 4-month-old son Kent Birch.