Gerald Kirby

He was born August 13, 1922 to Samuel and Myrtle Kirby in Duluth, MN. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and bravely fought in seven major invasions in the Pacific. He spoke often of those years on LST 482. He married the love of his life, June, in 1950 and this past January they celebrated 61 years of marriage.

He worked 33 years at Superwood Corporation retiring in 1985. He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. He loved to study the Bible and especially enjoyed attending Community Bible Study with his special nephew, David Kirby.

He was a skilled woodworker, or as he would humbly say, he was “good at making sawdust.” His many handcrafted creations are treasured by his children and grandchildren.

He loved to golf and passed his love for the game to his three boys. For many summers the annual tradition has been for the foursome to play “The Kirby Family Championship.” Dad remains the true family champ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Chester; and sisters, Marvel, Helen, Audrey and Nancy.

He is survived by his devoted wife, June; his daughter, JoAnne “Marie” (Carl) Eastvold of Duluth, and sons, Steven of Wyoming and Richard (Jenny) of Oklahoma and Gerald Jr. (Karen) of Waconia, MN; thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and sisters, Lois and Janice.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Monday and from 1pm until the 2pm Funeral Service Tuesday, March 22nd all in Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Chapel. 925 East 4th St. Rev. Jerome Evavold officiating. Burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. In Gerald’s honor, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church. 1108 East 8th Street. Duluth, MN 55805. To leave a memory of Gerald or words of support for the family, please visit www.BellBrothersJarviDowd.com