Kirk Gerd Henkel

Kirk Gerd Henkel, 49, of Stevensville, passed away January 14, 2012 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Thomas Batsky officiating and burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kirk was born to Bodo Heinz and Ursula (Piontek) Henkel on October 16, 1962 in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was a 1980 graduate of Lakeshore High School, a third generation member of the St. Joseph Kickers Club and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Kirk was self-employed in the painting and wallpaper business. Kirk’s passion in life was for music and had attended thousands of live musical performances. He was a collector of music as well as movies and TV shows. He loved discussing and sharing music. Kirk enjoyed long weekends camping and especially attending the Wheatland and Bonoroo music festivals. He loved the outdoors either at the park with his daughter or playing Frisbee at the beach. “Uncle Kirk” was proud of his nieces and nephews and often attended their extra-curricular activities. He enjoyed kids and was named Godfather to many. Kirk was known as a loyal friend with a generous and kind heart as well as a great sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face and a hug to share. He will be missed by many. Kirk is survived by his mother Ursula Henkel of Stevensville; his love and partner in life Hope McCluskey of Stevensville; a daughter Gracelyn McCluskey of Stevensville; sisters, Debra Akins and Anissa DeSanctis both of St. Joseph; nieces, Avery DeSanctis and Alicia (Paul) Knapp; nephews, Joshua and Sean Akins, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Bodo Henkel in 2008, a brother Mark Henkel in 1995 and a brother-in-law Dustin DeSanctis in 1999.