Janice Jenelle Miska Birk

Jenelle Birk, 90, of Orem, Utah, died peacefully surrounded by her family on May 2, 2026.

She was born on August 30, 1935, in Colome, South Dakota, to Edward William Miska and Joy Isabel Brechbill. She was the youngest of three children, Marilyn and Gloria being her two older sisters. They spent her early childhood in South Dakota before they relocated to California, where Jenelle grew up and formed many of her lifelong friendships and values.

Jenelle attended George Washington High School in Los Angeles and graduated in 1953. On June 6, 1953, she married the love of her life, Richard Leon Birk. On November 4, 1959, their marriage was solemnized in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion to one another, faith, and a deep commitment to their family.

In 1975, Richard and Jenelle moved their family to Littleton, Colorado, where Richard was working for Toyota Motor Company. Two years later, Richard was transferred, and they settled in Orem, Utah, where Jenelle lived for almost 50 years and created a lasting home for her family.

Jenelle was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose life was defined by quiet strength, steadfast faith, and unwavering love. She had a gift for caring for others and found her greatest joy in nurturing her family. Whether through simple daily acts of service or her constant presence and support, she created a home where others felt safe, loved, and valued. Her faith guided her life, and she remained a dedicated member of the Church and served in many callings throughout the years. She and Richard served as Church Service Missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center and at the Provo Deseret Industries. For many years, she worked as an Executive Secretary at Wasatch Bank and then at Utah Valley State College.

Mom is survived by her children: Scott (Julie) of Molalla, Oregon; Lisa (Ron) Kowallis of Bulverde, Texas; Amy of Orem, Utah; and Jeff (Brittany) of Draper, Utah. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and were a cherished part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband. She was also preceded in death by her son, David, and grandson Jonathan, and great-grandson Ashton.

Jenelle will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her enduring devotion to her family, her love of her animals, and the quiet but profound way she touched the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply.

An evening viewing for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem. Jenelle's funeral services will be Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 500 South 600 West, Orem, with a viewing held that morning at the church from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service. Interment will be in the East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery, 4800 Northeast Lawn Drive (650 East), Provo, Utah.

The family wishes to extend their most sincere thanks to Covington Senior Living and First Choice Home Health Care and Hospice for their compassionate, professional care for Mom during her final days.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the Livestream HERE