Birger B. Back
His stoic appearance belied Birger B. Back’s true nature. He was a loving, caring, and good-natured husband, father, and grandfather. You’d sooner find him eating a pizza with a fork and knife than get his hands dirty at the dinner table, but if you needed a home improvement project completed, Birger would happily be there to help. From building tree houses to installing hardwood floors to whole-house renovations, no job was too big. He loved throwing a good dinner party, and if you were invited, expect to have a name card at your seat and to be seated next to someone you may not know. Birger was known to cook decadent meals, capped off with equally decadent sweet treats. He also loved informal get-togethers with friends and neighbors to enjoy happy hour and the peaceful views from his back deck. Birger’s leisure time was well earned. He was a thought leader in nuclear physics who sparked curiosity and a love of learning about a subject few understand but one that literally controls how our universe works, mentoring new generations of physicists along the way. His love of travel and physics took him all over the world, but his favorite place was being with family and being cozy. Born in Denmark, he brought the art of hygge to Woodridge and everywhere else he went.
Birger passed away peacefully at the age of 78 surrounded by family. He’s survived by his wife Susan; his son Henning and wife Michelle and children Margaret and Niels; his son Niklas and wife Janiva and children Marley and Zoe; son Christoffer; step-son Kevin and wife Christine and children Bryce and Brooklyn; and step-daughter Stefany and husband Todd and children Zander and Zoey. His loving brother Kaare (Christel) and family in Denmark also survive him. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Ulla and his beloved sister Vibeke.
Memorial visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, with a remembrance service to follow, on Saturday, August 10th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove (ph: 630-964-6500). Interment private. Birger loved listening to classical music and jazz and watching public television. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite stations:
WFMT – Honor / Memorial Gift (wfmt.com)
WTTW – Honor / Memorial Gift (wttw.com)
WDCB – Thank you for supporting WDCB Public Radio! (thedatabank.com)
Northcreek will never be the same….. he truly did live the word hygge….. and we learned it too through him! To a wonderful neighbor and friend….. who will be so missed but never forgotten……the stories live on through those of us who knew him and were blessed to call him our friend!!
Birger was a kind unassuming person who I had the pleasure of knowing and calling a friend. He hosted many a danish lunch which consumed the entire afternoon but was always enjoyed by all. He was johnny on the spot to help out, house renovation, babysitter, chauffeur you name it he was your person. He helped to renovate a house from start to finish. His carpentry skills would rival those of someone in the trade. He will be missed by all. God Bless and prayers for the family.
Dear Henning, Nik, Christoffer and Susan,
What a wonderful tribute, speaking to BirgerMs spirit and how he touched so many of us.
I will never forgot the get-togethers he hosted, including the majestic bonfire for Skt Hans, and his taking my children to the attic to feed the ‘nisse’ at Christmas, and stopping by to fix my father’s, Thorkil’s, television antenna when he was no longer capable …
He will be missed!
I’m grateful to have known him,
Sonja Winther
Min gamle ven og kaere kolleg
Russell Betts
Birger was an eminent scientist, a caring mentor and a very good friend -always there when you need.
More importantly, he was a wonderful person.
I am very fortunate to have met him and his family, had an opportunity to work with him
and learn from him at critical juncture of my career.
My deepest condolences to the family
May his soul rest in peace…
Vandana Nanal