Walter R. "Wally" Birk

Walter R.“Wally” Birk, 87, of Winona, MN died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 20th, at Emplify/Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, WI.

Wally was born on February 22, 1939, in Blue Earth County, MN to Erick and Olga Birk. He graduated from St. Clair High School in 1957. He enlisted in the US Army and served his country from 1958 - 1960, stationed in Ulm, Germany.

He married Phyllis DeVos on June 13th,1964, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Minneota, MN. The couple resided in Mankato, MN until 1968 when they moved to Dubuque, IA for his employment. They welcomed their only child, Kelli, in 1969.

In 1971, they moved to Winona, MN when he took a position as a sales manager with Holcin Cement Company where he was employed until his retirement in 2000. After retirement, Wally moved cars for Lewiston Auto. He never lost his love for driving and being on the road.

Wally enjoyed traveling. He and Phyllis spent many winters in Surprise, AZ. They traveled twice to Europe to visit Kelli while she was studying abroad and working in Austria.

Wally loved gardening and keeping an immaculate yard. The neighbors chuckled when they observed him mopping the lawn to kill any weeds. He was a proud Minnesota sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Vikings, Wild, and Twins. There was always a game of dominos when the grandkids came to town. Wally loved listening to classic country music, one of his favorites was Charley Pride.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughter Kelli, and four grandchildren, Brenden, Karissa, Taryn, and Crosby. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erick and Olga, one brother, Arthur, and two sisters, Friedella and Verna.

A Celebration of Life will take place on June 4th, 2026, from 4-6 pm at Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home located at 376 East Sarnia Street, Winona, MN. After military honors, a light dinner will be served. A private family burial will be at a later date.