Richard Birzer

Richard Birzer, a devoted family man and accomplished mechanical engineer, passed away peacefully at his residence on April 21, 2026. Born on March 31,1934, Richard lived a life marked by dedication to his profession, his family, and his community.

 A proud holder of a Bachelor's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University and Master's from the University of Kansas, his professional journey took him to Kansas City, Missouri, where he contributed to Westinghouse's aircraft gas and turbine product line, and subsequently to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the Westinghouse Research Laboratory. Then moving to Illinois where working for ITT Bell & Gossett, he began as manager of the Centrifugal Line. His expertise and commitment led to his promotion to Assistant Chief Engineer and eventually Chief Engineer. 

Richard combined a brilliant technical mind with a warm, witty personality. Known for his fun-loving nature and keen sense of humor, he brought joy to those around him. Outside of his professional life, he was an avid gardener, particularly noted for his excellence in growing tomatoes. He also had a deep love for fishing and golfing. 

Richard's greatest prides were his beloved wife, Peggy Birzer, to whom he was lovingly married for 72 years, and their family. He was a loving father to six children: Richard Harold Birzer of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; Dianne Marie Birzer of Twin Falls, Idaho; Joan Elaine Hurtt and her husband Marven Darrell Hurtt of Redmond, Oregon; Sharon Kay Birzer of Seattle, Washington; Mary Frances Stewart of Beaverton, Oregon; and the late Elizabeth Ann Underwood. He was grandfather to eight grandchildren—Joshua Wayne Underwood of Crystal Lake, Illinois; Jonah Wade Underwood of Chicago, Illinois; Andrew Richard Skepnek of Beaverton, Oregon; Alida Marie Titus-Gibson of Beaverton, Oregon; Marisa Elizabeth Steinberg of Bend, Oregon; Mallory Birzer Rubin of Kilauea, Hawaii; as well as Amber Smith of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Amy Smith of Hailey, Idaho. He was a cherished great-grandfather to ten great-grandchildren. Richard also is survived by his sister Karen Miller of Ft Meyers, Florida. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Andrew Birzer; mother, Eleanor Marie Rupp; brother, Donald Eugene Birzer; and sisters, Diane Kay Birzer, Shirley Ann Birzer, and Janice Marie Birzer. An active member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Richard’s faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Sacred Hearts Men's Club and a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, demonstrating his commitment to serving both his church and community. 

Richard Birzer’s memorial service will be held on April 24, 2026, at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, located at 295 Balearic Road, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The service will be followed by interment at 11:00 a.m.