OTTAWA — Anthony J. “Tony” Birzer, 62, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at Hospice House of Olathe.Tony was born Sunday, March 29, 1953, in Ellinwood, the son of Jerome and Mildred (Norris) Birzer.He lived in Lawrence from 1978 until moving to Ottawa in 1983.He graduated from Ellinwood High School with the Class of 1971 and continued his education at the University of Kansas, graduating in 1982, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Tony served in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1978 as a machinist mate and served as a member of the reserves from 1978 to 1983. Tony worked as a mechanical engineer for 31 years at Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, retiring Jan. 1, 2015.