Virginia Johanna Droste Birkenkamp, 96, formerly of Litchfield, died peacefully on April 14, 2024, at her senior living community in Arvada, CO.
There will be a celebration of life at Risen Christ Lutheran Church, her church in Arvada, CO, and a private family burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield.
Mrs. Birkenkamp was born to Fred and Dena Droste on Jan. 2, 1928, in Litchfield. She graduated valedictorian of her class from Litchfield high school in 1945. Thereafter she studied social work, earning her bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1949. She married Arnold Ray Birkenkamp on Sept. 11, 1949, in Litchfield.
Mrs. Birkenkamp worked as a social worker at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis while her husband finished college at Washington University. In 1951, they moved back to Litchfield where she and her husband raised their four children. While primarily a homemaker, Mrs. Birkenkamp served occasionally as a substitute teacher in Litchfield schools and she ran a part-time bookkeeping business with her husband.
She was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, and was active in the church while she lived in Litchfield. She and her husband also belonged to Litchfield Country Club and enjoyed golfing with friends during their time in Litchfield.
Mr. and Mrs. Birkenkamp later moved to Colorado in their retirement. They enjoyed hiking in the mountains, traveling, golfing and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Birkenkamp is survived by her children Ray (Kris) Birkenkamp of St. Paul, MN, Dean (Susan Jones) Birkenkamp, of Boulder, CO, Lynn (Don) Ramey of Bailey CO, and Marcy Birkenkamp (Kevin Wood) of Brighton, CO; seven grandchildren, Beth Tagliareni of Kallispell, MT, Dena Birkenkamp of St., Paul, MN, Zach Ramey of Littleton, CO, Danny Ramey of Arvada CO, Juliana Birkenkamp and Maya Birkenkamp of Boulder CO; and four great-grandchildren Peter, Arya, Luca and Annika.
She was proceeded in death by her brother Fred E. Droste; parents Fred and Dena Droste; husband Arnold Birkenkamp; and her granddaughter Kate Birkenkamp.
