Barbara J. Birk

Barbara Jo Birk, age 69 of Appleton, WI, passed away on November 17, 2025. She was born on January 9, 1956 to Leonard and Helen (Seidel) Birk. In her youth, Barb enjoyed numerous sports and played tennis, softball, and volleyball while in high school. Barb continued her love of sports into adulthood by competing in softball and tennis tournaments.

She also cultivated a passion for photography that flourished for the rest of her life. Barb worked as a machine operator for Presto Products since starting there at the age of 18 and continued to work there until her retirement, nearly 38 years later. In her retirement, Barb enjoyed creating beautiful artwork and found joy in seeing it displayed throughout her retirement community.

Barb will be deeply missed by her sister, Nancy Drews (Ronald) of Appleton, WI and brother, Thomas Birk (Cynthia) of Columbus, OH. She will also be missed by her niece, Holly Birk (Adam Brandt) of Columbus, OH and nephew, Nathan Birk (Miranda Nicely) of Clarksville, TN, as well as by her great niece, Snow and great nephews, Rowan and River. Barb is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Daniel Birk.

She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family is collecting donations for a memorial tree to be planted within an Appleton public park in Barb’s honor. Donations may be sent to Nancy Drews.

Her family would like to sincerely thank Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom, WI, Edenbrook of Appleton, and Bristol Hospice in Green Bay, WI for their compassion and care.