Dr. Sharleen Johnson Birkimer

Sharleen Johnson was born June 13, 1941, to John B. and Marjorie (Reiquam) Johnson, in Minot, ND, and grew up on the family farm near Lansford. She graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Home Economics and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Wisconsin.

In 1967, she did her dissertation research in Hyderabad, India, on the effects of diet and selected socioeconomic factors on the physical condition of pregnant, low-income women.

Sharleen received her Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from Kansas State University in 1970 and was an assistant professor successively at the University of Maryland, Grace College, Indiana, South Dakota State University, and Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1977, she accepted a professorship at the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, in the Health, PE, and Sports Studies Department. She was a Kentucky licensed dietitian and certified nutritionist, a member of the American Dietetic Association, and published over 13 research papers and a book chapter on breast cancer.

It was at the University of Louisville that she met her husband, Dr. John Birkimer, who was a professor of psychology. Sharleen and John married in 1986.

Sharleen was an avid runner and cyclist, participating in many marathons. At Crescent Hill Baptist Church she was a deacon, participated in childcare during services and other church programs, and contributed to the decision to become a welcoming and inclusive church. Sharleen and John enjoyed traveling, including trips to Europe and Scandinavia. After the death of her husband, Sharleen returned to North Dakota in late 2024.

Sharleen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marjorie Johnson; her devoted husband, Dr. John Birkimer; and her step-son, John Matthew Birkimer. She is survived by her step-daughter, Amy (Steven) Mulroy, Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Quinn Mulroy, Chicago, IL, and Molly (Abdellah) Amarir, and great-grandchild, Anir, Nashville, TN; siblings Laurel Johnson, Mary (Harley) Hornberger, Deborah (Miles) Anderson, and Lyndon (Jacki) Johnson; and their families.

The family invites you to join them at a scattering ceremony at Cave Hill Cemetery’s Scattering Garden on Sunday, August 10th at 2:00 pm.