Obituary for Dennis Edward Birkicht

Dennis Edward Birkicht, 73, of Cedar Rapids passed away onto his next adventure on Thursday, January 11, 2024. A celebration of life will be held in July.  Cedar Memorial is assisting the family.

Dennis was born in Cedar Rapids on July 10, 1950 to Donald and Wilma Birkicht.  He graduated from Jefferson High School where he lettered in baseball.  After high school Dennis attended Iowa State University for marketing and graphic design. Dennis worked for Color Tile for 20 years, where he met his wife Nancy Combs during one of his training classes.  They were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids on October 9th, 1993. 

Their son Grant was born on October 6th, 2008 and the family relocated to Cedar Rapids in October of 2012 to raise Grant around family.  Dennis retired after 14 years with Frito Lay and became a full-time stay-at-home father. Dennis volunteered in the lunchroom at St. Pius and was den leader for Grant’s Cub Scout troop. Dennis also had a creative side he enjoyed showing off. Whether it was being Santa Claus for the Fort Worth neighborhood HOA Christmas celebrations and for the students at St. Pius, or making a paper mâché battlefield for Grant’s army men and Legos, Dennis had a fun loving side and wonderful flair with art.
St. Elizabeth was Dennis’ church home and he attended regularly until the outbreak of Covid, then watched via live stream until a stroke limited his vision.

 Dennis is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nancy; their son Grant (15); sister Debbie (Don) Stepanek, step-brothers Jim Lynch and Bobby (Cindy) Lynch; nieces Melissa (Jonathan) Griener and Nicole (Jason) Havlicek; nephews Austin (Tara) Lynch, Dalton and Ryan Lynch; great nieces Alivia, Ava, Florian, and Tinley; great nephews Zander and Leo, and many cousins in Cedar Rapids, Protivin, IA, Florida and Minnesota. He was proceeded in death by his father Don, mother Wilma, step-father Dick Lynch and great nephew Jaxon Havlicek. 

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Mercy Medical Hospital, the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House; PT, OT, and speech therapists; as well as Dennis’ various doctors who gave such compassionate care to Dennis after his strokes and hospitalization.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for Grant’s future may be directed to the family in care of Collins Community Credit Union, 1005 Blairs Ferry Rd, NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, or to Scout Troop #42, 4949 Council St, NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.