Wayne Donald Birkholz, age 75, passed away on November 9, 2026. Born on July 27, 1951, he lived a life filled with family, hard work, curiosity, and a love for creating and fixing things.
On June 17, 1989, he married the love of his life, Sharon Birkholz. Together, they built a family and shared many years of memories, adventures, and life’s everyday moments.
He had a natural curiosity and a passion for learning how things worked. Whether farming, building something with his hands, or tinkering with a project, he was happiest when he had something to work on. He also enjoyed bird watching, antiquing, and collecting John Deere figurines. His appreciation for history, machinery, and the little things in life reflected the many interests that made him who he was.
Above all, family was an important part of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Birkholz; his children: Kimberly (Dana) Birkholz Wiegert, Tracy (Josh) Birkholz Erdman, Jeremy Birkholz, Tammi (Nate) Muldoon Probst, Ryan Muldoon, and Holly (Derek) Muldoon Zillmer.
He was a proud grandfather to Jenna Wiegert, Keegan Erdman, Mason Erdman, Lauren Erdman, Alexia Rehmann (Chance), Luke Probst, Ellie Muldoon, Julia Muldoon, Caden Zillmer, Colby Zillmer, and Kylah Zillmer. Jordynn Wagner (Brandon), Garrett Wiegert (Arie), Colton Wiegert (Alyssa), Payton Wiegert. He was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Calvin “Wilber” Rehmann.
He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Bill) Cook, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald; his mother, Evangeline; his mother-in-law, Rose; his brothers-in-law, Jim and Jake; and his sister-in-law, Mary.
His family will remember him for his hands-on nature, his many interests, and the memories made together over the years. Though he will be deeply missed, the things he built, the knowledge he shared, the collections he treasured, and, most importantly, the family he loved will carry his memory forward.
He leaves behind a legacy that will live on through the generations of family who loved him.
A funeral service for Wayne will be held at 11:00 AM with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service, on Saturday November 28, 2026 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota.
Funeral arrangements for Wayne have been entrusted to Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato (320) 286-2534 and Howard Lake (320) 543-3401.