Albert Louis Birr, age 98, passed peacefully into the arms of his Savior on July 25, 2026. Born on December 2, 1927, in Kasota Township, Le Sueur County, Minnesota, Al was the son of Louis and Helen (Baumberger) Birr.

Al grew up on the family farm in southern Minnesota as the third of six children. Life on the farm was simple and demanding. There was no electricity until 1942 or indoor plumbing, and the family relied on an old cookstove fueled by coal and corn cobs to keep warm through the long Minnesota winters. For Al, those early years instilled a strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and an appreciation for life's simple blessings.

Al attended the district 68 one-room school house in Le Sueur County through 8th grade and went to High School in St Peter. After graduating from Mankato State Teachers College in 1952 with a degree in Chemistry Education, Al proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending two years stationed in Japan.

In the fall of 1955, Al met the love of his life, Alma Ann Johnson, at Lake Washington. They were married on July 28, 1956, at Grace Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota. This began a beautiful marriage that spanned nearly seventy years. Together they raised their children and built a home centered on faith, love, and family.

Al devoted his entire professional career to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, where he conducted research to economically extract metals from ore until his early retirement. in 1988, Al's retirement opened the door to new adventures as he and Alma purchased a Winnebago and spent many happy winters traveling throughout Texas and Arizona.

Al loved gardening. He proudly gave tours of his flowerbeds, often sending visitors home with plants. He spent quiet moments watching the local wildlife through his picture window. An outdoorsman at heart, he treasured camping and fishing at Lake Winnibigoshish. Alongside, countless hunting trips for pheasant and deer with family and friends. At home, he was happiest tinkering in his shop, where there was always something to repair or improve, Family and friends knew there wasn't much Al couldn't fix.

A lifelong learner, Al had an insatiable curiosity. He was an avid reader enjoying books on religion, history and health, closely followed the stock market, and rarely missed reading The Wall Street Journal. His determination and positive outlook were evident throughout his life—even undergoing his first knee replacement at age 90 and a second at age 93. Al and Alma especially enjoyed traveling to Europe with their college alumni, delighting in discovering new places and meeting people from around the world.

Above all, Al was a devoted Christian whose faith guided every season of his life. His quiet example of integrity, perseverance, generosity, and steadfast trust in God leaves a lasting legacy for his family.

Al was preceded in death by his infant son, Greg Birr; his parents, Louis and Helen Birr; his sisters and their spouses, Margaret and Bill Thompson, Anna and Roger Johnson, Helen and Dick Thedens, and Marie and Cliff Volkmann.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Alma; his children, Al and Norma (Parker) Birr, Steve and Becky (Klukas) Birr, Peggy (Birr) and Brian Fredricks, and Debbie (Birr) Vranicar; his grandchildren, Amy (Birr) and Jay Nelson, Laura Birr and Nick Mickelson, Toni (Birr) and Nate Duehring, Nathan Birr, Kari (Fredricks) and Andy Kathman, Krista (Fredricks) and Kyle Creed, Kelsey (Fredricks) and Justin Depew, and Nicole and her father Mike Vranicar; Ten great-grandchildren; his brother, Louis and Diane Birr; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Al's family rejoices in the promise he held close throughout his life—that because of Christ's victory over death, they will one day be together again. His was a life well lived and a faith well kept.

The Funeral will be held at Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran Church located at 9350 Portland Avenue South, Bloomington MN 55420 on August 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM.   A Viewing will start at 10:00 AM, and a lunch will follow the Service.

Memorials in lieu of flowers will go to Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran Church.

Interment will be Monday, August 17, 2026 at 1:15 PM, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN, where military honors will be rendered in recognition of his faithful service to his country.