Thomas S. Van Kirk

A ceremony to celebrate the life of Thomas S. Van Kirk, age 61, of Illinois City, IL, formerly of Davenport, will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Andalusia Lions Club, 302 - 2nd St Andalusia, IL. Thomas died on Saturday, July 31, 2010 surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. It was the only competition he ever lost. As was his request, cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesis VNA Hospice or to his grandchildren for future needs at the Andalusia Community Bank.Thomas Stanley Van Kirk was born on February 15, 1949, to Marvin and Wanda (Lyons) Van Kirk in Davenport IA. Tom graduated from Davenport West High School in 1967 where he was active in wrestling and football. On January 19, 1973 he was united in marriage to Rosesinda Ellis in Blue Grass, IA.Tom enjoyed coaching Dad’s Club baseball, fishing, playing horseshoes and picks, and watching the Hawkeyes, Bears, and Cubs. He especially enjoyed playing with his twin grand-daughters after he retired.Tom was a proud member of the Heat & Frost Insulators Local 81 in Cedar Rapids, IA for 37 years. His last job as member of the local was as a Union Organizer. He dove into this job headfirst and relished doing it until his retirement in 2004. Tom often expressed his gratitude to the union for being able to provide a good life for Sindie and his kids. Tom meet and befriended many people in his years as an insulator. He was a true and loyal friend.Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 37 years, Sindie, his son, Thomas (Kim) Van Kirk of Taylor Ridge, IL, his daughter, Rhea (LB) Ontiveros of Milan, IL, his mother Wanda Van Kirk of Mesa AZ. His brother George (Peggy) Van Kirk of Alvarado MN. His sisters Nancy (Brien) Shannon of Davenport IA, Trudy Van Kirk of Alvarado MN, Judy (Don) Stoffers of Mesa AZ, and sister in law Sandy Van Kirk of Davenport IA. His grandaughters Bella and Olivia Ontiveros and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Sr and brother Marvin Jr.The family would like to thank his closest friends for being there and a part of his life until the very end.