Felix Birger

The world lost an incredible soul on July 6, 2021. Felix Birger passed away, at age 86, after his long battle with kidney disease. His last days were spent surrounded by family, making cherished memories and recounting stories of his well-lived life.

Felix was a quiet man, introverted some would say. But his kind smile and generous heart attracted people to him. He loved people, and he loved to help them. He was kind and generous to those around him, and they repaid him at every turn. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had an adoration for others in their field of service; people always reached out to him – in office buildings, at parties, in social gatherings, and in his community. Felix was a very loyal friend. Friendship and trust were synonymous to him. So, if Felix called you a friend, you were kindred spirits for life. Felix had an amazing sense of humor; he was quick witted and had a charitable spirit, which showed up in his family life, and his generosity throughout his community. He had a joke or a limerick ready for any occasion. People relied on his cheeky smile and quick wit to cheer them up on a moment’s notice.

Felix was born in Odessa, Ukraine. He grew up in a world unlike most of us here can imagine, in communist Soviet Union. It was a difficult life, and a struggle, every day, for basic rights many of us take for granted. It was in Odessa he met the love of his life, and his best friend, his wife of almost 58 years, Marianna. Together they built a beautiful life full of love, compassion, service, travel, and cherished memories. They committed to putting family ahead of everything else. Nothing came before the well-being and health of their family. They made it a priority to expose their children to everything they could in their time with them.

Felix graduated with a master’s degree in electrical engineering and worked to provide for his family in all ways. In order to protect his family, and in hopes of a better future for their children, Felix picked up his family, all their belongings, and he, along with Marianna, her mother Nadezhda, and their son Michael began their journey across the ocean to a brand-new world. They had no idea what was in store for them, but they were relying on a fresh start. He worked hard in his new home country and did his best to make the journey for those following them an easier one. The Birgers (Felix, Marianna, Nadezhda, and Michael) were the first Russian immigrants to settle in Kansas City. Shortly after their arrival, Elizabeth was born in the United States. After they got established in Kansas City, Felix taught new immigrants how to drive, and where to shop. He helped with translation needs, he brought food and supplies to those who couldn’t afford their own; he provided transportation to those who had none. Felix was a man committed to making life better for his family and his community. He attended events constantly in support of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a strong supporter of the arts. He attended hundreds of concerts, galas, fundraisers, and other functions supporting his wife and daughter at all their performances. He helped his son get settled in new apartments, moving him from state to state. As a committed and involved parent, Felix served as personal driver for his children to all of their extracurricular events. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren in all of their accomplishments. Dyeda, as he was lovingly referred to by his grandchildren, was an integral part of the family structure, helping out at a moment’s notice for anyone in the family, without hesitation.

Felix and Marianna traveled across the globe to build a new life together, and then spent every spare moment they had making memories through their journeys. Together they traveled throughout Europe on various trips, including chaperoning Marianna’s orchestra program overseas. Felix beamed with pride every time he saw his wife on stage. He was often emotional when he saw her conducting and teaching. They were frequent cruisers, sailing the seas to Panama, throughout Eastern Europe, Scandinavian countries, and to the Caribbean islands.

Felix is survived by his wife, Marianna Birger, his son Michael Birger, his daughter-in-law Julie Eisen Birger, his daughter Elizabeth Birger, his grandchildren Amanda Birger, Emily Birger, his sister Svetlana Korol, and nephew Mikhael Korol.