Patricia Lou Kirchoff

Patricia “Patti” Lou Kirchoff, 96, of Riverside, California, passed away peacefully February 21, 2026. She was born August 13, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and lived a long, full life devoted to her family.

Patti graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee and went on to study at the Radio Drama Workshop at the Wisconsin College of Music, where she also graduated. In her younger years, she was active in the Milwaukee Players and appeared on a weekly radio show for children, sharing her talent and love of performance with her community.

She married the love of her life, Clarence “Kit” Kirchoff, and together they shared 72 remarkable years. As an Air Force wife, Patti embraced adventure and adaptability, living in several states, England, and in Okinawa, Japan. In 1969 Patti and Kit settled in Riverside, California, where they raised their six children and built a loving home rooted in warmth, humor, and deep devotion to one another.

Patti had a special gift for making every holiday feel magical. Her home was always beautifully decorated for each season, and she passed her eye for detail and love of decorating on to her daughters, helping to create traditions that her family will cherish and carry on for generations.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her eldest son, Michael Kirchoff, and her loving husband and soulmate, Kit. She is survived by her children Kristine Borcuk (Steve), Robin Sinkhorn (Dr. Paul), Nancy Orozco (Al), Timothy Kirchoff (Donna), and Jon Kirchoff. Patti and Kit were blessed with 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy to her. She was a wonderful wife and an amazing mother and grandmother, remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family.

A celebration of Patti’s life will be held on Friday, March 20, at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. A burial service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.