Norman Birkey

Norman L. Birkey, 92, of Hopedale, IL passed away December 12, 2025 at A.C. Restmor Nursing home in Morton, IL. He was born in Pekin, IL on June 18th, 1933. He was the son of Jesse and Fern (Shrock) Birkey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Margy; his sister, Vurla Martin of Morton, IL; his brother, Darrell Birkey of Delavan, IL; and his infant great-grandson, David Gregory.

He is survived by three siblings, Kenneth (Bonnie) Birkey of Hopedale, IL; Melvin (Nancy) Birkey of Scottsdale, AZ; Arlan (Sally) Birkey of Ft. Wayne, IN; Cathy Birkey, sister-in-law of Delavan, IL; two daughters, Michele Birkey of Arlington Heights, IL; and Debbie (Scott) Rassi of Mesa, AZ; three grandchildren, Katherine (Chris) Gregory, Daniel (Germania) Rassi, and Nathan (Ariann) Rassi; and five great-grandchildren.

Norman was a graduate of Hopedale High School, class of 1951. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He married Margy Cregar on December 11, 1955. He started his lifetime career of farming for Clifford (Zelma) Roseman in 1956. He sold Dekalb seed corn for 48 years and was a long-time board member of the Federal Land Bank.

Norman was a devoted member of Groveland Missionary Church where he served on the Board as Treasurer for the majority of his adult life. Norman requested Proverbs 3:5 be inscribed on his tombstone: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” One of Norman’s greatest desires in life was to see others also come to trust Jesus as their Savior.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at A.C. Restmor for the excellent, loving care Norman received.

His funeral will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Groveland Missionary Church with Pastor Tim Claassen will officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, December 29 at Davis-Oswald Funeral in Tremont and one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at Groveland Evangelical Cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be made to The American Bible Society (AmericanBible.org) or WBNH Radio (WBNH.org)

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