Funeral Details

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of David Richard Birz. David passed away peacefully in his home in Kenosha, WI, on July 4th, 2026 at the young age of 63.

David was born at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital on May 9th, 1963 to Marilyn and Allen Birz. After graduating from Niles North High School in 1981, he went on to study journalism at the University of Iowa. He spent most of his life living in the Chicagoland area until moving to Kenosha, WI, in 2005.

David had a tenacious spirit like no other. In his youth, he was a multi-sport athlete who chose to play soccer on a broken leg because “it couldn’t get any more broken”. As he aged, he navigated health complications with dignity and humor. In his final years, he worked tirelessly to accomplish the goal of walking both of his children down the aisle. He will be remembered for his deeply rooted love of Chicago sports, his ability to provide enthusiastic encouragement no matter the situation, and the way he perfected the art of letting stuff roll off his back.

David was preceded in death by his father, Allen Birz, and mother, Marilyn Birz. He leaves behind his loving children Alec (Kayla) Birz and Emily (Ben) Birz and devoted sister Suzi Birz, as well as his aunt Eileen Gelick, uncle Michael Gelick, and many cousins and their children, including Debbie Wolk, Robin Ward, Steven (Laura) Wolk, Evan Gelick, Robert (Dana) Gelick, and Lisa (Doug) Kensil.

Service Wednesday 12:00 PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie.
Interment Westlawn Cemetery, Norridge (7801 West Montrose Avenue). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UChicago Data for the Common Good at sam.am/DB or Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) at www.breakthrought1d.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com