Elaine E. Birtch Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Elaine E. Birtch (Springfield, Illinois), who passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 93, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Hugo W. Gade and Evelyn Jagow Gade; and her husband Dr. Alan G. Birtch of John's Lutheran Church. She is survived by: her children, Grant (Susan) of Neenah, WI, Eric (Joanne) of Burr Ridge, Mark (Susan) of Springfield and Jane Vatchev (Oleg) of Carol Stream, IL; her grandchildren, Benjamin Birtch (Melissa), Madeline Zerin (Justin), Christopher Birtch (Cori), Michael Vatchev, Helena Vatchev, Sarah Buerk (Logan), Alan Birtch II, Amanda Birtch, Emily Birtch and Luke Birtch; her great grandchildren, Oliver and Cameron Zerin; her sister-in-law Mary Gade; her nephews, Bill, Mike Thompson and Christopher Gade; her aunt Marilyn Winter; her caregiver Gayla Cheffey; Nancy Segatto.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Springfield Memorial Foundation-Transplant Patient Assistance Fund.