Russell F. Birk Jr., 76 of Austin, Minn., died Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born in Britt, Iowa, on April 23, 1935, to Russell and Dorothy (Osborn) Birk and grew up in Austin. On Feb. 15, 1958, he married Jeannine Catherine Rauen of Austin, and they made their home in Bloomington, Minn., and then moved to a hobby farm in New Prague and raised a family. Russell worked at Model Stone for 36 years. After retiring, Russell and Jeannine moved back to Austin, where Russell enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, and a great cup of coffee with friends at Oak Grill and Oak Park Mall.

Russell is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeannine Birk; children Russell Birk III (Nancy) of Aurora, Minn., Dorothy Johnson (Tom) of New Prague, Minn., Darrell Birk (Gloria) of Smyrna, Tenn., Richard Birk (Kay) of Shakopee, Minn., Holly Brezina (Richard) of Lonsdale, Minn., Fred Birk (Rose) of New Prague, and Ellie Birk (Gary) of Jordan, Minn.; 24 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sophia Newkirk (Jim), Sharon Harding (Dick), Janice Vaughn, Barb Haugstad (Gary) and brother, Chuck Halsey (Terry).

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darrell Birk; sister, Darlene Cole; grandson, William Birk.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to The American Cancer Society.