With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Arlene L. Birkey of Mishawaka, IN.
Some stories deserve to be told slowly. This is one of them.
What Arlene gave her children, they will give to theirs.
Arlene Lucille Birkey, 94 years old, was welcomed into Heaven at 10:27 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. She was surrounded by her family at Ernestine Raclin Hospice House in Mishawaka. Arlene was born on July 11, 1931 in Mishawaka to the late Frank and Anna Marie (Murphy) Aker. She grew up on a farm on the Plymouth Goshen Road. The Round Barn at Nappanee was once located on that family farm.
On September 4, 1949 in Bremen, Arlene and Robert Birkey were united in marriage. Robert preceded her in death on June 21, 2021 after 71 years of marriage. Robert and Arlene started a dairy farm which was located where the industrial park is currently in Bremen. In 1963, they moved to a farm where they have resided ever since.
Arlene is survived by her children, John (Debbie) Birkey of Bremen, Jeanne (Denny) Yoder of New Paris, Jackie (Mark) Marsh of Bremen; daughter-in-law, Julie Birkey of Bremen; 14 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Along with her husband, Arlene was preceded in death by her son, James Birkey; sister, Marie Redman; and brothers, Frank Aker, Jr. and Rolland Aker.
Arlene had the gift of hospitality. She was an excellent cook and specialized in making pies. She always welcomed people into her home. She and Bob loved to fly and they kept an airplane at the farm. They hosted many groups at the farm over the years which included church groups, school groups, reunions, and day camps.
Arlene loved her Lord. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at Shiloh Wesleyan Church and was baptized in the Lake of the Woods. Arlene was involved in volunteering at World Missionary Press. She conducted bible study at the Westville prison, St. Joseph County Jail, and the Juvenile Justice Center in South Bend. Bob and Arlene worked together in the Chuck Colson Prison Fellowship and faithfully attended Nappanee Missionary Church. Over the years, Arlene volunteered and was active as a camp counselor, Sunday school teacher, Christian Women's Club, Crusaders, Child Evangelism, Woman's Pregnancy Care Center, and Flying Farmers Club. When she met her Lord, I'm certain He said, "Well done thy good and faithful servant."
Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the Nappanee Missionary Church, 70417 S.R. 19, Nappanee, IN where friends may visit with the family beginning at 3:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be held on Monday morning at Bremen Cemetery. Palmer Funeral Home-Lakeville Chapel is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Arlene Birkey may be donated to World Missionary Press, 19168 County Road 146, New Paris, IN 46553. Online condolences may be offered to Arlene's family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
