Obituary: Frederick James Kirch

March 1, 1936 ~ October 20, 2022

Frederick James Kirch, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the Pete and Jelaine Horton Center Skilled Nursing Facility with his wife, Darlene at his side.

He was born March 1, 1936 in Madison, son of the late Walter and Imelda (Schneider) Kirch. Fred graduated from Mazomanie High School with the Class of 1953. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1954 and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1957. Fred was united in marriage with Darlene Mae Kerl (his high school sweetheart) on November 29, 1955 at Lutheran Memorial Church in Madison. He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a bachelor’s degree in insurance in 1961. After graduation, he accepted a job with Wisconsin State Insurance Department. In 1964, Fred Worked for Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent Financial) in Appleton, retiring as the Assistant Vice President of the field services division on December 28, 1994. Upon retirement, they moved to Sturgeon Bay. He was a past President of Cherry Ridge Condo Association and a member of Bay View Lutheran Church.

Fred’s memory will be carried on by his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Darlene; daughter, Ann Marie (Daryl) Franklin, and their daughter, Alia, of Las Vegas, Nevada; beloved toy poodle, Missy; siblings, Joseph (Mary), Randal (Terry), Linda, Dale (Beth), Terry, Donna, and Rick (Stacey); sister-in-law, Betty Lou (Herbert) Shuster; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Imelda Kirch and brothers, Walter and Gary.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at a later time. Memorial donations can be made in his name to Bay View Lutheran Church – Lighting.

His family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nursing staff at Pete and Jelaine Horton Center Skilled Nursing Facility, Chaplain John Hauser, Pastor Jeff Greathouse of Bayview Lutheran Church, and Unity Hospice for their kindness, friendship, care, and love shown to Fred and Darlene.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC of Sturgeon Bay are assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Fred may be shared through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.