Michael Jerome Birrenkott

Michael J. Birrenkott, 93, passed away March 11, 2026. Funeral services will be Monday, March 23 at 10:30AM at the Bismarck Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Michael was born April 12, 1932 to Michael and Anna (Bruning) Birrenkott in Breien, ND. He moved with his family to Bismarck in 1946 and attended St. Mary’s High School graduating with the class of 1950. Michael joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1952. He worked with his father in the excavating business from 1948 until 1956.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Deitrich, on July 23, 1951.

He was a plumber, pipe fitter and welder by trade and started Industrial Contractors Inc. with his brother-in-law, Don Koch, and a friend in 1966. He worked in the business until his retirement in 1997.

Mike loved gardening and loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed spending time at their summer home on Lake Sakakawea for over thirty years.

He was a member of the American Legion, Bismarck-Mandan Elks and Cathedral Parish in Bismarck.

Mike is survived by his children, Paula Whitley of Minneapolis, Michael (Bobbi) Birrenkott of Bismarck, Rebecca (Randy) Manning of Colorado; grandchildren, Thom (Fabio) Fox, Cassandra (Jon) Langerud, Jason Birrenkott, Cory Birrenkott, Amber (Wes) Birrenkott-Geiger, Emily Jessen and Jared Jessen; great-grandchildren, Samantha (Ian) and Keane Birrenkott, Daisy, Ole, Maggie and Lucie Langerud, Dane and Veda Geiger; great-great grandchild, Ridge (Birrenkott) Placek.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; parents; sisters, Dorothy Rebenitch, Audrey Koch, Shirley Rinde and Eileen Ehreth.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials made be given to the donor’s choice.