Matthew Birke

Matthew Birke, beloved husband and father, passed away on March 25, 2023 at the age of 51 after 14 months with brain cancer. Matthew was born in Maryland, but was a resident of River Ridge, Louisiana for 19 years. He was a loving husband to Leslie Birke for 26 years. He began his career as a middle school math teacher at Kenilworth Middle School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He developed expertise in information technology support and later switched career paths to information technology and database development. When he and Leslie had children, Matthew chose to stay home with the children and home school. He became active in NOLA Homeschoolers, NOLA Young Scholars, and Agnus Dei. As a 19-year parishioner of St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, Matt participated in Vacation Bible School and Boy Scouts. He will forever be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others. Matthew is survived by his wife Leslie Birke, his children Noah Birke, Madeleine Birke, and Evangeline Birke, his parents Susan Birke and Dr. James Allen Birke, his siblings Adam Birke and Colleen Paul, in-laws Betty Brashier, David Brashier, Melissa Foster, Elizabeth Stelly, Blaise Paul, Michelle Birke, and Benton Foster, his nieces Ryan Birke and Ivy Paul, and his nephews Robby Birke, Vincent Paul, Luke Stelly, Beau Stelly, Ethan Stelly, Jonah Stelly, Gabriel Gustafson, Garrett Gustafson, and Dylan Gustafson. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone that helped care for them during this journey, especially Matt’s parents and siblings, Lindy Sells, the Meal Train, Ty Salvant, Laura Hoffpauir, Dr. Alfred Mammoser, Dr. Frank Culicchia, Dr. Steve Nelson, and LSU Health Sciences Center, Eastbank Parish Regional Library Teen’s Section, Empire Gymnastics Competitive Team. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Wake on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at L. A. Muhleisen and Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner. A Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew the Apostle, 10021 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA 70123 on Saturday, April 1, 2023 Visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Funeral Mass at 1:30 pm.

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Matthew Birke

September 27, 1971 - March 25, 2023