Orval L. Kirk

Orval L. Kirk, 98, of St. Joseph, passed away, Thursday, August 30, 2012 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Msgr. Eugene Sears officiating. A luncheon will be served at the funeral home. After the luncheon, burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Friends may call beginning at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Lakeland Continuing Care Center Volunteer Association. Those wishing to sign Orval’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Orval was born August 28, 1914 in Sodus, Michigan to Edom & Lessie (Garrison) Kirk. His grandfather James Kirk was the first settler into Pipestone Township. Orval graduated from Eau Claire High School where he was a star basketball player. On March 11, 1933, he married the former Pearl Holmes in South Bend, and celebrated fifty-six years of marriage before her passing on December 25, 1989. Orval was employed at Remington Rand until they closed, then gained employment at Rosbach, from where he retired. Orval had a green thumb & many hobbies including flower gardening, raising homing pigeons, peacocks and tropical fish. Orval is survived by four grandchildren-Martin Kirk, of St. Joseph, David (Angela) Kirk of Lexington, SC, Katherine (Jim) Forker of Bridgman, & Rita Kirk of St. Joseph; his daughter-in-law Dottie Kirk of St. Joseph; three great-grandchildren-Justin & Wesley “Wes” Kirk & Jessica Forker; one great-great grandson Riley Kirk; numerous nieces & nephews; and a friend Doris Doornbush. He was preceded in death by his wife Pearl, his son Larry, & Margaret Peters.