Robert L. Birch, 83, of rural Griggsville passed away Thursday, September 17, 2009 at his residence in rural Griggsville.  He was born October 13, 1925 on the family farm at Griggsville, IL, a son to Jesse R. and Hazel M. Cawthon Birch.  He married Evelyn “Maxine” Birch February 2, 1948 at the Griggsville United Methodist Church and she preceded him in death January 22, 2007.

Robert was a third generation grain and livestock farmer and raised purebred Herford cattle and Hampshire hogs.  He was a member of the Griggsville United Methodist Church where he served as a church trustee, chairman of the administrative council and served on various church committees. Robert was a lifetime member and founder of the Griggsville Boat Club, a member of the Pike County Farm Bureau, and a past president of the Bethel Cemetery Association.  He enjoyed boating, reading, and watching history channels but farming was his passion.

One son John R. (Cheryl) Birch of Griggsville, two daughters, Diane (Mark) Rooney of Newport Coast, CA, and Karen Birch of Barrington, IL and one grandson, Shane Rooney of Newport Coast, CA, survive him.  Three sisters, Marie (Robert) Iftner of Harvard, IL., Lois (Robert) Purdy of Shabbona, IL and Gladys Ann (Richard) Myers of Griggsville, IL  also survives.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2009 at the Griggsville United Methodist Church in Griggsville, IL with Rev. David Kelly officiating.  Interment will be in the Griggsville Cemetery. A lunch for the family and friends will be served after the interment at the Good Sheppard Hall in Griggsville.  Family and friends may call Sunday evening, September 20, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers family suggests that memorials be made to the Griggsville Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.