Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BIRKETT, Michael J.
BIRKETT, Michael J. (Dubuque, IA, June 7, 1956--Dubuque, IA, April 25, 2026) Michael was the son of Joan Zwack and Paul Birkett. He grew up alongside his brothers, David, Greg, and later Cris (Purcell). He attended St. Anthony’s and graduated from STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL.
Mike proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. As a member of the 2nd Armored Division—nicknamed “Hell on Wheels”—he served as a Military Police investigator until his honorable discharge in 1977. During his time in Texas, he took classes at Central Texas College before continuing his education at the University of Iowa, and later the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE. In 1980, Mike married Cheryl (Specht). Their three children—Nicole, Brett, and Blair and later his grandchildren were the light of his life.
In 1984, Mike began his long career with the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier. His dedication to his work and fellow employees led him into union leadership. In 1986, he was elected president of his local branch, serving in that role for a decade. He also served as Local Business Agent from 1991-1995 and again from 1999-2009, and as President of the Iowa Association of Letter Carriers from 2003 to 2009.
As an Arbitration Advocate, he traveled extensively, representing and supporting postal workers until his retirement. In 2014, Mike fulfilled a lifelong dream when he was elected National Business Agent, moving to St. Louis to serve in that position until his retirement in 2022. Along the way, he helped thousands of union members and received numerous honors, including induction into the Iowa Letter Carriers Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Dubuque Area Labor Hall of Fame in 2023.
Beyond his professional life, Mike was deeply committed to his community. He was an active member of the Dubuque County Democrats central committee and served as a delegate at several state conventions. He participated in multiple “Get Out the Vote” efforts, served as a district labor coordinator in 2008, and advocated for labor issues in both Des Moines and Washington, D.C. In recognition of his dedication, he was named an Honorary Colonel in the Iowa National Guard by Governor Chet Culver.
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Source:
Obituary, Dubuque Today