Jack Kirchmeier

Dates

Obituary

Jack Kirchmeier, 85, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, April 21, at Congregational United Church of Christ in Mitchell. Burial will be at Peace Cemetery in New Salem, ND at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at the church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

John “Jack” William Kirchmeier was born May 9, 1937, to Oswald and Amanda (Waechter) Kirchmeier in Jamestown, ND. He graduated from New Salem High School in North Dakota in 1955. In high school Jack was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball, and track. This passion followed him into adulthood, and somewhere along the way he picked up his love of golf. He was an avid Mitchell Kernels, DWU Tigers, and Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan.

After high school, Jack proudly served in the US Army until 1958. Jack was united in marriage to Nancy Adams at Mitchell Wesleyan Church on January 25, 1961.

Jack was a dedicated, hardworking employee who always wore his smile to work. He worked for Peavey Lumber in New Salem, ND as a manager, and later became the owner. Jack then worked for De Smet Farm Mutual as an insurance adjuster. His last 17 years he worked for Mitchell School District until retiring at the age of 84. His heart filled with joy working with the students and faculty of the school. In 2019, he was recognized with a distinguished service award from Mitchell High School.

Jack was a dedicated father and grandfather. Jack was also a foster parent with his wife for 28 years, and every child was treated to his jokes and a piece of his heart. His wife, kids, and grandkids made his face light up every time he saw them. Jack never met a person who didn’t become his friend, or travel somewhere that he didn’t run into an old friend. Above all, Jack loved to make you smile. His biggest gift was sharing a joke or pulling a prank or two. From the caring words of a friend, “Jack, today and every day be proud of your work, be proud of the wonderful person you are, and the difference you have made.”

Jack will be deeply missed by his wife, Nancy; son, Michael Kirchmeier of Mitchell; daughters, Darla Kirchmeier (Kyle Corbin) of Missoula, MT, Crystal (Tim) Dixon of Mitchell, RaShara (Chad) Colwell of Mitchell, and Jessica Kirchmeier of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren: Devon, David, Dallas, Charlie, Jack, Julia, Ben, Victoria, and Danica; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Erhardt of New Salem, ND; brother, Jerome (Pat Williams) of Bryan, TX; sisters-in-law, Ida Kirchmeier, Betty Christensen, and Diana Wick; brothers-in-law, David Adams; Stan Hoflwolt and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant grandson, Thomas Michael; sister, Lorraine Toepke; brothers, Donald, Robert (Corky), and Kenneth; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

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