2025 Vol 19, Issue 6 December Gem Lake News

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Gem Lake News Page 4 of 8 Tribute to a Long-term Resident of Gem Lake: Dr. Roland Birkebak Dr. Roland (“Rollie”) Birkebak, a long-term resident of Gem Lake, passed away on March 25 of this year at the age of 91. He was born and raised in St. Paul and attended Minnehaha Academy and the University of Minnesota. Birkebak was a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon in St. Paul for 30 years. Prior to starting private practice, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War to serve as a surgeon on Okinawa, a duty he felt honored to serve to help those injured during the war. He rose from the rank of Captain to Major during his tour of duty. According to his son David, the whole family moved to Okinawa during his years of service. “It was a great family time together and a great place.” Dr. Birkebak and his dog Lady. Birkebak moved to Gem Lake in 1972, when there were only two houses in the Big Fox/Little Fox neighborhood. The areas was very rural at the time, a place where you could enjoy a lot of outdoor activities, according to his son David. Over the years, Birkebak used his skills as a surgeon to go on several medical mission trips to Africa. He was a long-time member of the Grace Evangelical Free Church in Fridley. After retiring, he spent his time painting, hunting and caring for his beloved dogs. He sometimes rescued dogs from animal shelters and gave them a forever home. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan and his twin brother Richard Birkebak. He is survived by his four children and seven grandchildren. Birkebak spent over 50 years living in Gem Lake and served on the Gem Lake City Council for ten years, from 1993 to 2003. During that period, Gem Lake was experiencing a good deal of growth which led to long range planning which Dr. Birkebak was involved with.