Marilou Irene Birkland, age 87 of Helena, passed away peacefully with her beloved boys Mike and Mitch at her side on March 18, 2020. Marilou was an only child born to William and Mayme Kurtz on August 28, 1932 in Wolf Point, Montana.
Marilou was a dedicated student and graduated from Wolf Point High School as the Valedictorian of the class. She went on to graduate from The Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls, Montana, and obtained her bachelors degree in nursing from Montana State University-Bozeman.
Marilou had a wonderful career in nursing and worked with many different organizations. She was an emergency room nurse for three years at the Columbus Hospital. A public health nurse for Lewis and Clark County for three years. She then worked for the State of Montana Health Department, surveying hospitals and nursing homes. When that wasn’t enough she became a medivac nurse flying patients from New Guinea to Australia for two years.
Competitive in nature, she enjoyed the comradery of her marathon, duplicate and party bridge groups.
She was a member of the American Contract Bridge League, Unit 411, and a big promoter of the Sacred Heart League. She was very proud of being a member of the Funeral Luncheon Committee and member of the St. Mary Monday morning prayer group.
Marilou is survived by her sons, Michael Robert Birkland of Helena, MT and Mitchell Leif Birkland of Lake Jackson, TX and of grandchild Zachary Birkland.
She is preceded in death by her parents William and Mayme, and husband Robert Harold Birkland.
A private family mass at the Cathedral of Saint Helena will be Monday, March 23, 2020. Burial will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Memorial in Marilou’s name can be made to a donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Linda Chapman says
I am so sorry for your loss. Marilou was a wonderful person and a great nurse and surveyor. She was such a good friend to me both when we worked together at the Bureau and as we stayed in touch since she retired. I loved her stories of Super Bird and meeting the native women in the South Pacific.
charlotte sanddal says
my VERY best friend. she was such a constant and supportive presence in my life.
always a calm, reassuring, steady, comforting and gentle manner.
we all will miss her bright smile and awesome “take” on life.
our kindest, warmest and loving thoughts to the whole family.
Al Maulorico says
Footsteps, deep and indelible, Marilou’s
Contribution to rich Montana soil.
Peggy Seidel says
I had the pleasure of meeting Marilou through Charlotte Sanddal last year when Marilou had her scheduled heart surgery at St. Patrick’s Hospital International Heart Institute in Missoula. My husband was also having heart surgery at the same time as Marilou. I was able to see Marilou in ICC following her surgery. Charlotte organized a luncheon last spring for me to reconnect with Marilou. I enjoyed listening to her life story. The family is in my prayers and thoughts in the days ahead.
Sandy says
Dear Mike and Mitch:
Both you, Mike, and your Mom have been such good neighbors. You both never said no to the kids in the neighborhood who wanted to play on the big grassy area of your property. You only had to see the joy on their faces while the kids were all running and playing! The big red barn was always a safe place for the neighborhood cats to hang out. They always felt safe and there were no mice anywhere! We will always have a special place in out hearts living in Oleo Acres …and a beautiful namesake for the Birkland’s. Mitch and Mike, we are just across the road if you need us. RIP Marilou!
Sandy and Butch Jacke
Mike, Lori and Cameron Wittrock says
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. She will be truly missed in the neighborhood, especially at Halloween time.
Mike, Lori and Cameron Wittrock
Russell Raschkow says
Dear Mike and Mitch,
I am very saddened to read of Marilou’s passing. She always had the warm smile, along with the fiver for the red kettle next to quirky, ADHD ringerdude.
A lifetime ago the house next to Casons (my kindergarten teacher) was always a treat to visit for this wild hare. There was ALWAYS treats at the Birkland camp! However, I never could win a race on the electric race car track. There is only one speed for the disorderly, (hammer down!) usually finding the wall on the first curve… Some things never change.
M&M, your home back when was one of those few places a “difficult kid “could visit that seemed to contain NO DRAMA whatsoever. A shining example of how swell family life could be. In my recollections, BOTH your folks were very kind and tolerant towards me. Your dad was a sweet, calm, gentle man. They even tolerated me for the sleep over, an evening of treats, racing cars and watching the horror film ’till the wee hours with a couple buds. I missed you all when you moved to the Philippines (was it? 1975?).
Mike and Mitch, as a true-blue mommas’ boy, I have some idea how you two are feeling. From here on you will always miss the physical Marilou. Every waking day. On those lonely trips to the grocery store Mike, don’t forget to hold out the elbow, for Marilou is closer than you might realize. Phone home often Mitch – one day you may get lucky and she’ll pick up! It is not just a cliche, loved ones that pass before us DO LIVE ON in each of us. In recent years passed, I came to spot your mom a hundred yards off in a crowded parking lot. She had a glow about her – you know how some people shine brighter than others? She had it.
M&M, I too will miss Marilou. She had a way of sharing her light, (far beyond the fiver!) providing the spark that kept my fires burning on a cold winter day. It was always good to see you out and about too, Mike!
You fellas take’r easy, rejoice and give thanks for just how good you have it. Keep’em on the track! My thoughts and prayers are with ya guys…
Sincerely,
Russ
Helen Beausoleil says
Dear family of Mary Lou… Your mother was a wonderful lady. We loved it when she was part of our Monday Morning Prayer group. I want you to know that even though we could not physically meet today we gathered in prayer via email and prayed for Mary Lou. I remember her smile, her stories and I thought she was one of the smartest woman I have ever known. Her faith was prominent and touched each of us. We have missed her and now know she is with us in a whole new way. May your treasured memories help bring you love and peace.
Mark Trenary says
Mike & mitch
Marilou will be missed. A wonderful lady who always stopped to visit when I was working in the yard, summer months. She would always comment on Gayle’s tulips in the spring. We have been her neighbor since 1996. She had a
good productive life and touched many hearts. Hope Mike & Mitch continue her great legacy.
Mark & Gayle Trenary
Janet Perkins Luloff says
I will remember Marilou as very much a “lady” with a terrific sense of humor. One of my memories of her was when we were out surveying and the person driving was having trouble with parallel parking. After much back and forth, Marilou looked out the door and said “that’s ok, we can walk from here”. She was a great person and a surveyor that the facilities respected. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phyllis Dorrington says
Dear Mike and Mitch,
I met your mom through a marathon bridge group five years ago. She was an incredible player who always wanted to learn and understand more. Her gentleness and graciousness at the bridge table was always appreciated; I am sure that is the way she lived her life. Judy Hoover, my partner, and I last played at your mom’s welcoming home in October. She invited us to enjoy a delicious harvest lunch before the cards were dealt. Judy and I so appreciated your mom, her kindness, her sense of humor, her competitiveness and her faith. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you mourn the loss of your most wonderful mom.
Viki M Garman says
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Marilou very long, but I so enjoyed her presence at our Monday morning prayer group at St. Marys. What a delightful lady she was! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May all the happy memories you all share and Gods grace bring you comfort during this difficult time.