Gary L. Birkmaier

Birkmaier, Gary L. Birkmaier, 66, was called Home on September 29, 2014. Gary was born in Dickinson, ND on September 6th, 1948. For the majority of his childhood Gary lived in a small town west of Bismarck called Hebron, ND. Gary was so proud to be a descendent of the Hartmann and Birkmaier families both of whom were founding, important members of Hebron. Hebron's most notable, and still vibrant business, is its brick foundry where Gary worked in his teens and early twenties. Gary graduated Hebron High School in 1967; while there he played football, basketball, and track and field. During his senior year Gary was the North Dakota State Champion in High School Discus. Throughout his childhood Gary was a Boy Scout eventually becoming an Eagle Scout while in High School. Upon graduating high school Gary attended North Dakota State University in Fargo. Gary threw shot and discus for his first year at NDSU. While at NDSU Gary was a member of the engineering fraternity Sigma Phi Delta. Two important events took place for Gary in 1971. That year, a fraternity brother set him up on a blind date with Kathey Rinehardt, later in that year Gary graduated with a Bachelor in Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1971. A proud Bison alum Gary always attended or watched the Green and Gold play football whenever he could. That blind date in 1971, turned out to be the love of his life. Gary married Kathey on March 4th, 1972 in Fargo, North Dakota. After his marriage Gary began working for Babcock and Wilcox Company of Copley, Ohio. Gary worked on environmental control systems for large-scale coal-fired and nuclear power plants. There was always a new plant that needed Gary's expertise and due to that he and his family were often required to move. By December of 1975 that family now included his children; Kellee Ann and Ryan Thomas. The Birkmaier family lived in Winnemucca, NV; Farmington, NM; Rock Springs WY; and Fairlawn, OH along with other towns throughout the western United States. Later in his career Babcock and Wilcox utilized Gary's skills in places around the world: England, Jerusalem, South Korea, Northern China and Hong Kong. Gary loved these travels and was always excited to try the exotic foods of the areas he was working in. As a faithful Christian one of the most important and endearing parts of his travel was the time he spent in Jerusalem. He enthusiastically shared his visits to the birth place of his Lord and Savior Jesus and felt blessed to have seen the Holy lands. Gary worked for Babcock and Wilcox until 2008 when he retired. Unsurprisingly, to anyone that has spent more than twenty minutes with Gary, his retirement wasn't an end to his career as an engineer. From 2008-to the present Gary enjoyed working for The Energy Corporation in Colorado. Gary worked in various sites across Colorado sharing his expertise and working closely with Xcel energy over the last few years. Perhaps most important to Gary he was father to Kellee and Ryan and proud grandfather to Logan, Lainee, Noah and Elijah. Gary had a fondness for photography, typically documenting all family events and activities with pictures that he would store in countless photo albums and CDs. He could always be counted upon to be the go-to photographer in any situation. The family considered him the ""paparazzi"" of his four beautiful grandchildren. Gary also had a fondness for woodworking and creating keepsakes for his children and grandchildren. He has made toy boxes, baby cradles and creative coat racks – all with a special touch to let them know how much love was poured into their creation. One of his woodworking creations is still used as the Children's Church Cross at Christ Episcopal Church in Denver. There is little doubt of the ability and craftsmanship that Gary could pour into his work; the simple, powerful love he was capable of, shines through the wood. Gary was a strong man of faith and led his family with a quiet strength and confidence in his walk with the Lord. Not a day would go by that he didn't have his devotional with Kathey or by himself when out on job-sites. His devotion to God's Word and teachings are only equaled by his devotion to his family and love for them. For those Gary left behind on September 29th, 2014, we feel sadness and emptiness at being left without him. Using his faith as an example we must rejoice in the man he was and take peace in the knowledge that we'll see him in a place where joyfulness and happiness reigns forever-and where we are sure he is fixing the ""pearly"" gates even as you read this. Gary is survived by his Wife of 42 years Kathey Lynne Birkmaier and their Children - Kellee Ann Birkmaier (Jentz) – March 5th, 1974 married to Jeffrey Scott Jentz on July 20, 1996; Ryan Thomas Birkmaier – December 30th, 1975 married to Michele Lorene Birkmaier (Ludwig) on October 21, 2006; and his Grandchildren- Logan Scott Jentz – September 12th, 2000 Lainee Ryan Jentz – November, 2nd, 2001 Noah Porter Birkmaier – June 4th, 2010 Elijah Jaxon ""EJ"" Birkmaier – January 31st, 2012. Please share your memories of Gary and condolences with his family by selecting the guestbook link below.