Louis Albert Kirn

Lou was born on October 20, 1930, in Limestone Township in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, to Louis Joseph Kirn, a Slovenian immigrant who came to the United States after World War I, and Christine Rose (Knaus) Kirn, a first-generation Slovenian American. He grew up in Traunik, a Slovenian settlement south of Marquette, Michigan, where he attended the town’s two-room schoolhouse and spent much of his youth helping his grandparents on their farm. In 1946, Lou moved with his parents and younger brother, Robert, to Dearborn, Michigan.

In January 1951, Lou enlisted in the United States Air Force and served until 1955 as a radar mechanic in Alaska. On September 1, 1956, he married Donna Mae Graham, with whom he shared many years of life and family of three daughters until her passing in November 2018.

Lou spent his career in manufacturing and manufacturing management. While working for Burroughs Electronics, his career took him and his family from Michigan, to California, Brazil, England, and New Jersey. After leaving Burroughs in 1982, the family relocated to North Carolina, where Lou joined Data General and later EMC/Dell.

A private pilot, Lou loved flying and owned several single-engine planes throughout his married life, including a Piper Cub, Cessnas, a Bonanza, and a Navion. He was also an avid reader, often finishing several books a week, and enjoyed crossword puzzles and the companionship of his beloved German Shepherds.

Lou will be dearly missed by his daughters, Krystn Messer and her husband, Robert, and Lora Rinaldi and her husband, David; and by his grandchildren, Matthew George, Danielle George, Kaiti Freeman, Stephanie Messer, Sydney George, Boston Rinaldi, Providence Rinaldi, and Haven Rinaldi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna Mae Kirn, his daughter Lisa George, his brother, Robert Kirn; and his nephews, Robert and Richard Kirn.

Lou’s ashes will join those of his late wife in the columbarium at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex. A private family service will be held at a future date.

Gone Flying

I dream of a Kingdom high up in the blue, Where pilots take flight, their dreams come true. Propellers hum, a welcoming song, An aerial haven where I belong.

Where cotton-white giants cast shadows below, On fields and roads where memories flow. The moon winks a greeting, the sun bids farewell, This magical place where dreams gently dwell.

The stars paint the night, a glittering dome, A beacon for travelers seeking their home. Though grounded I was, my spirit took flight, Forever embraced by this Heavenly Light.

One day with a roar and a heart full of glee, I rose with the currents, finally set free. So let joy fill your hearts, let sorrows pass, For I’ve gone flying like eagles, my dream at last.

David Ritter