Donald Birzer

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce Donald E. Birzer, age 86, of Colby, KS, passed away on October 27, 2022.

He was born in Brownell, Kansas on January 23, 1936, to Frank and Eleanor (Rupp) Birzer.

Don attended Brownell High School, went to the Army from 1954-56, stationed in Hanau Germany. After the military, he attended trade school for automotive body repair. He was in automotive body repair for over 40 years and worked and owned Lyles Body shop for 30 years.

On November 28, 1959, he was united in marriage with Betty Kraft at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McCracken, KS and from that marriage two beautiful living children were born, Mitchell and Staci.

He was a current member of Sacred Heart Church, Colby, Kansas. After he sold Lyles Body Shop, he worked as a Storm Trooper at Farm Bureau for 15 years and Pioneer Seed for 25 years. He was previously active in the American Legion and Knights of Columbus for many years. In his earlier years, he enjoyed farming. He was a true handyman/volunteer, enjoyed dancing, socializing, playing cards, and had a beautiful lawn and garden.

Don is survived by his son, Mitch (Anita), Nortonville, KY; daughter, Staci (Kevin) Murray, Manhattan, KS; four living grandchildren, Justin (Allie) Murray, Wichita, KS, Bethany Murray of Wichita, KS, Danielle Birzer of Phoenix, AZ, and Jackson Birzer of Nortonville, KY and two great grandchildren, Hudson Murray and Cohen Murray. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty (Kraft); his daughter, Roxanne; his parents, Frank and Eleanor Birzer; three sisters, and a granddaughter, Ashley Murray.

Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m., with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, Nov 4, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Nov 5, 2022, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Colby. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Sacred Heart Church at 585 N. French Ave or the Senior Progress Center, 165 Fike Park St. Colby, KS. Baalmann Mortuary, Colby is handling the arrangements. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com