Dr. Sharleen Birkimer

Minot

Dr. Sharleen Johnson Birkimer, 83, Minot, passed away Tuesday at Edgewood Vista.

Sharleen Johnson was born June 13, 1941, a daughter of John B. and Marjorie (Reiquam) Johnson, in Minot.

She grew up on the family farm near Lansford, attending school in Glenburn. She furthered her education by attending North Dakota State University, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Wisconsin Medical Center in Madison, WI.

After working as a dietitian at the University of Minnesota, she began a year of dissertation research in 1967 at the Nutrition Research Laboratory in Hyderabad, India, on the effects of diet and selected socioeconomic factors on the physical condition of pregnant Indian women from low-income families.

Sharleen received her Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition from Kansas State University in 1970. Over the next seven years, Dr. Birkimer was an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Grace College, Indiana, South Dakota State University, and Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

She accepted professorship at the University of Louisville in 1977 in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sports Studies, School of Education and Human Development.

It was at the University of Louisville that she met her husband, Dr. John Birkimer, who was a professor of psychology. Sharleen and John married in 1986. Sharleen returned to North Dakota, in 2024, after the death of her husband.

During her academic career, Dr. Birkimer published over 13 research papers in scientific journals and a chapter in a book on breast cancer. She presented research at over 26 professional conferences and was awarded over ten research grants.

She was a licensed dietitian and certified nutritionist in KY, as well as a registered professional member with the American Dietetic Association. Dr. Birkimer was a member of ten professional and honorary organizations. She served over 12 committee assignments and professional activities during career.

Sharleen was an avid cyclist and runner, participating in many marathons. She was an active member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville, where she was a deacon and participated in childcare during services and other church programs.

She was involved with services for domestic violence programs.

Sharleen and her husband enjoyed traveling, including trips to Europe and Scandinavia.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Vista, Caring Edge Hospice, and Visiting Angels for all of their kindness and support.

Her loving family includes: Step-daughter, Amy (Steven) Mulroy, Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Quinn Mulroy, Chicago, IL, and Molly (Abdellah) Amarir, Nashville, TN; great-grandchild, Anir Amarir, Nashville, TN; siblings, Laurel Johnson, Mary (Harley) Hornberger, Deborah (Miles) Anderson, and Lyndon (Jacki) Johnson, all of Minot; along with 6 nieces and 1 nephew; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Dr. John Birkimer; and her step-son, John Matthew Birkimer.

A private family service will be held.

Sharleen’s final resting place will be at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, KY.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News On June 13, 2025.