Geraldine Evelyn “Gerry” Bircher, 94, died peacefully June 15, 2022, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson. She was born June 6, 1928, in Walton, to Paul Vernon and Viola Martha (Weiser) Stratton.
Gerry graduated from Walton High School in 1946 and attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, majoring in music. While there, she met her future husband, Kenneth Orville (KO) Bircher. They were married May 28, 1948, in Walton, and shared almost 74 years of marriage before his death on March 2, 2022.
After marriage, Gerry and KO moved to Galva and then Norwich, where she began her lifelong love and passion of giving piano and organ lessons in her home. Over the years, she taught hundreds of students to play the piano and organ. Gerry was a talented and gifted musician who could sight-read and transpose any piece of music. She played for weddings (even some of her own children’s weddings), funerals, and served as the church organist for many area churches; if music was involved, she wanted to be a part of the event. Gerry entertained the crowds at the NJCAA basketball tournament, the Miss Hutch Pageant, and accompanied various performers at the Kansas State Fair. She also helped the family run the Drummer Boy restaurant and manage rental properties, when she was not teaching or playing the piano or organ for some community event.
With her busy schedule, she had little time for hobbies, but Gerry loved to cook for her five active children, and many of their friends, who she would take under her wing and offer a place to stay. She loved to babysit her grandchildren, and enjoyed visits from her great-grandchildren. Watching basketball and baseball, and playing Bridge were also some of Gerry’s favorite pastimes.
Gerry is survived by: children, Diane Shirack (Mike) of Centennial, CO, Joan Gibson (Roger) of Wichita, Gene Bircher (Jennifer) of Longmont, CO, Paula Payton (Greg) of Hutchinson, and Craig Bircher (Mary) of Richmond, VA; brother, Alden Stratton of Hesston; grandchildren, Chad Shirack (Lora), Amanda Herndon (Dustin), Curtis Gibson (Kara), Kinzie Flowers (James), Bailey Lardes (Doug), Will Bircher (Morgan), Morgan Starkweather (James), Grady Payton (Brooke), Samantha Rose, Crosby Branham (Cody), Dr. Walter G. Bircher, and Dr. Josie Bircher; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Many years ago, Gerry and KO built a cabin in Southeast Colorado that is now a family heirloom. Countless memories have been made throughout the years at the cabin. It was Gerry and KO’s wishes to have a private family service at the cabin.
Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.