Dean Alan Birch's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dad, Dean Alan Birch, age 89, of Mecosta, Michigan, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Dean was born on April 22, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Harry Birch and Elizabeth (Fries) Birch. After graduating high school and attending Ferris State College he spent many years working in the construction industry, where he was well known for his dedication and experience in sales. Dean took pride in his work and the relationships he built throughout his career.
In his free time, Dean enjoyed the simple things in life and loved spending time with his family, especially on holidays at the lake with boat rides and cook outs. He also loved and planned such wonderful Christmases with his family. Making sure the grandkids had a waterpark to go to. He was so thoughtful and always insisted on planning the whole event. Dean also loved the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was a fan through and through.
He was a generous, kind, strong man, who put his family first. Leaving behind a legacy of treasured memories for his family.
Preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Fries Birch and Harry Herman Birch, his children, Shelley Marie, and Jeffery Dean.
Dean is survived by his sister, Susan Arney, children: daughter Susan Birch Kutzbach (David); son Jody Birch (Sally) and son Brenden Birch. Also survived by his grandchildren: Richard Meekma, (Sierra); Jennifer Faber, (Brian); Elizabeth Kutzbach; Emily Slack (Matthew); Jesee Birch, (Theresa); Caleb Watkins; Jenna Wilson (Malachi); and Justin Birch. With great-grandchildren: Quinton, Theodore, Gabriel, Rosaleen, Juniper, Gavin, Ryker, Patrick, Wrenly, and Harvey.
A funeral service to celebrate Dean’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at
11:00 a.m. at Janowicz Family Funeral Home, 469 W. Wheatland Ave., Remus, MI 49340.
Family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Pastor Richard Taylor will officiate.
Following the service, a luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Remus Tavern.
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