Lawrence Hugh Birchmier

Dr. Lawrence “Doc” Hugh Birchmier, 88 of Mitchellville, Iowa passed away Monday, March 20th, 2023, at his home.

Lawrence was born March 25th, 1934, on the family farm northeast of Maxwell to Albert and Frances (Backoff) Birchmier. Lawrence enjoyed working on the farm, showing cattle in 4-H, and participating in baseball, basketball, and football. He played center and linebacker for Maxwell through two undefeated seasons. He was very active in 4-H, as a member for eleven years and served as President of the Story County Boys 4-H club 1952-1953.

Lawrence graduated from Maxwell High School May 27th, 1952, and went on to attend Iowa State College from 1952 -1958, receiving both his bachelor’s and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Lawrence opened the Colfax Veterinary Clinic in 1958 where he was given the nickname “Doc.” His partner, Dr. Keith Cogley, joined the practice in 1960.

Lawrence married his long-time love, Virginia (Ginie) Randau, on June 7th, 1956, at St. Cecilia Church in Ames, Iowa. Lawrence and Virginia lived in Mitchellville, Iowa for several years and purchased the family farm outside of Mitchellville in 1963. Doc and Ginie raised their five children on the farm running a large cattle operation, which continues today. Doc also served as the Polk County 4-H veterinarian for many years. He was an active member of the Polk County Cattleman’s Association and Iowa Pork Producers Association. After selling his veterinary practice, Lawrence worked as a veterinarian for the State of Iowa leading the Pseudorabies Eradication Program. Throughout his career, Doc worked at the Colfax Sale Barn until his retirement in January of 2023 at the age of 88.

Lawrence is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ginie; his sons, Loren (Barb) Birchmier of Bondurant, Joel Birchmier of Mitchellville, Aric Birchmier of Ankeny, Sean (Karen) Birchmier of Mitchellville, and his daughter Debra Lowry of Ankeny; nine grandchildren, Josh (Melissa) Birchmier, Jarod (BreAnne) Birchmier, Brooke (Eric) Anderson, Jeremy Lowry, Calli (Matt) Hustrulid, Tirra (Johan) Birchmier, Talen Birchmier, Jaedyn Birchmier and Ava Birchmier; along with seven great-grandchildren, Adeline Birchmier, Marlo Birchmier, Monroe Anderson, Truett Anderson, Henrik Birchmier, Holden Birchmier, and Daniel Hustrulid. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Joseph, Albert Lee, and James Birchmier; his sisters-in-law, Bonnie, Carol, and Mary Ida Birchmier; and his beloved grandson Jason Lowry.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3rd at the Bondurant Christian Church. Visitation will follow until 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa 4-H Foundation, Holy Cross cemetery in Maxwell, Iowa, or a charity of your choice.