David E. Birkhaeuser

David Ellis Birkhaeuser, 90, a longtime Wilbraham resident, died peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of the late Joseph and Ella (Loeffler) Birkhaeuser. He attended Laurence College in Appleton, WI and graduated from Northwestern University with a BS in Business Administration. He was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Hamul during World War II. Following his Naval service, he received his Law Degree from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Birkhaeuser began his career as an attorney for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Madison, WI. He joined Mass Mutual in 1958 and retired, after 33 years of service, as a Second Vice President in the Financial and Estate Planning Department. He was a Professor of Law at Western New England University Law School for many years. A member of the Exchange Club of Springfield, he also served as Vice President of the Realty Club, Chairman of the Wilbraham Conservation Commission, a Director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and was a member of the Wilbraham United Church and Chairman of its Governing Board. Mr. Birkhaeuser is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathleen (Lowrie) Birkhaeuser, sons: Daniel E. Birkhaeuser and his wife Margaret of Walnut Creek, CA and Keith A. Birkhaeuser and his wife Linda of Hingham, daughter in law Lucrecia Birkhaeuser of Littleton, CO, sister Ruth Burlingame of Boulder, CO and four cherished grandchildren: Sarah and David Birkhaeuser of Littleton, CO and Elise and Joshua Birkhaeuser of Hingham. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his son, Dean Birkhaeuser. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 3:00 pm at Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main St., Wilbraham. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in Woodland Dell Cemetery. Wilbraham Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Devereux School, Development Department, PO Box 219, Rutland, MA 01543.