Neil Wayne Bircher

Neil Wayne Bircher, 69, of Van Meter, passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at the VA

Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.

Neil was born to Frederick and Jeanette (Christiansen) Bircher on September 6, 1953, in Alta, IA.

He would go on to graduate from Boone High School before proudly serving his country as a

member of the United States Air Force. After his time in the service, Neil earned an Associate’s

Degree in Marketing from DMACC. On October 1, 1977, he married the love of his life, Denise

Louise Freeman in Des Moines. Together, they resided in Van Meter for over 38 years and

raised their family.

Neil was in the grocery business throughout most his career and excelled in sales. He spent

much of that time with the Thomas J. Lipton Company. As a young man, he loved riding

motorcycles and owned several of them. As he grew older, he enjoyed golf, visiting the casino,

music, movies and vacationing in the mountains of Colorado or South Dakota. His favorite

teams were the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears, and the Chicago White Sox. Neil loved his

family dearly and cherished the time spent attending his grandsons’ various activities.

Neil is survived by his wife of 44 years, Denise, sons: Ryan (Lisa) Bircher of West Des Moines

and Adam (Kristen) Bircher of Urbandale; grandsons: Harrison & Miles Bircher and Elliott &

Everett Bircher; brothers: Steven (Debbie) Bircher of Wisconsin, Dan Bircher of Wyoming and

Scott (Marcy) Bircher of Missouri and his daughter and her family, Stacey (Matt) Beauchamp of

Ava Maria, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Norm Bircher.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 3, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ernst Funeral

Home, Waukee. A committal military service will be held for family and close friends on

Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. Immediately

the committal service, all are invited to the Iowa Veterans Center for a luncheon and continued

fellowship with the family. (910 Main Street, Van Meter)

Memorial donations may be directed in Neil’s memory to the Iowa Veterans Home (1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158)  or the ALS Association (www.als.org).

Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Neil's final arrangements.