June Irma BIRA, 91, of Racine, was called to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
June was born in Milwaukee on June 30, 1931 to Irma (nee Just) and Max Sell. She was united in a holy covenant marriage to the love of her life, Siegfried Bira, on April 29, 1950 at Cross Evangelical Church in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death in June 2014. June's favorite past-time over the years besides loving on her family, was knitting and crocheting. She crocheted each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren their own special adult size afghan. Over the years she has knitted dozens of baby sets, blankets, or scarfs as gifts and enough washcloths to last a few lifetimes. Most recently, she has joyously devoted her time crocheting 27+ baby blankets for an unwed mothers WELS support resource.
She is survived by her children Susan (Carl) Babiasz, Rev. Clifford (Carolyn) Bira, Sandra (Dennis) Montey, Cynthia (Shawn) Clifton, Michael Bira, Julee (Aaron) Wrixton. Grandchildren: Carla York, Hannah Machado, Christopher Babiasz, Deidre Montey, John Talbert, Carl Brian Babiasz, Bethany Lakies, Rhea Montey, Melissa Bira, Matthew Montey, Kelsey Santspree, Christopher Henkel, Cameron Clifton, Greta Wrixton, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great-grandson. Also survived by her sister, Janet Heckman, half-brother Robert (Cindy) Sell. Sister-in-laws Joanne Sell, Linda Sell, Rita Michaelsen, and Joyce (Tom) Hoffmann. Godsons James Bira and Duane Bira, dear friend of 75 years Pam Gabler and many other nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, her maternal grandparents who raised her, a stillborn son Christopher Bira, brother Frank, half-brother Max Jr, brothers-and sisters-in-law: Fritz (Helen) Bira, Richard (Darlene) Bira, Carl (JoAnn) Bira, Jim Michaelsen and Vic Heckman.
Funeral services for June will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park- Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service