David John Birkholz, 88, passed away February 22, 2013, at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck. A celebration of David's life will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garrison with Reverend Dick Hendrickson officiating. Burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison Monday, February 25, 2013.

David was born September 23, 1924, in Garrison to Christ & Rosella (Hach) Birkholz. He attended school in Garrison through the 8th grade and then went to work for his dad in the family blacksmith shop. He was inducted in June of 1943 into the United States Army and served for 2-1/2 years. Engagements included Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received numerous medals during his services.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army in December 1945, David worked for Wretling Machine Shop in Garrison and then at the Garrison Dam as a welder. He then became an iron worker, traveling to various places, including Thule, Greenland; Montana; Minnesota; South Dakota; and North Dakota. He was a member of the International Association of Iron Workers for 55 years.

David married Shirley Ostby on July 13, 1947, making his lifelong home in Garrison.

He served on the Garrison City Council and the Benedictine Living Center Advisory Council. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Elks Club and Moose Lodge. He volunteered for the Fort Stevenson Foundation, Norsk Hostfest, Camp of the Cross, Lutheran Brotherhood, and the ND Governor's Cup Fishing Tournament. David was a life-time member of the American Legion Post 49 for 67 years and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
David enjoyed woodworking, dancing, playing the accordion, baking, gardening, traveling, and was a jack-of-all trades. Every morning David could be found at the local coffee shop. In his memory and spirit, enjoy a cup of coffee with friends.

David is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley; sister, Lorraine (Roy) Lucas, New Rockford; brothers, Edwin, Garrison; Melvin (Pat), Garrison; nieces, Bethany (Bill) Blansfield, SD; Doreen (Bill) Hockley, WY; Karen (David) Anderson, New Rockford; Kim (Daryl) Lies, Douglas; Hollie Birkholz, CO; nephews, Carl Birkholz, MN; Terry (Kim) Birkholz, AK; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christ and Rosella (Hach) Birkholz, and sister-in-law, Adeline Birkholz.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be sent to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or "Wreaths Across America".