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Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Starks & Menchinger Chapel
2650 Niles Rd
St. Joseph,
MI
49085
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Memories & Candles
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“We just found out about this like a month ago, sure would have been nice to have visited his funeral. Best wishes and prayers to his family...
...Read More »
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1 of 72 | Posted by: Tim & Sherry Wagner - Middleville, MI
“Words just escape me, what a shock... Kirk was a genuine guy, they don't come much more sincere than Kirk, and if you needed anything, he was there...Read More »
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2 of 72 | Posted by: Sherry Wagner - Middleville, MI
“Ursula, Deb, Anissa, Allie, Josh, Sean and Avery -
Words escape me - just know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! Kirk was an amazing...Read More »
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3 of 72 | Posted by: Lynn Avara-Stover - Frederick, MD
“May The Lord Bless you with his Mighty Light and Extend Grace that will Blanket Your soul in Peace And Comfort.
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4 of 72 | Posted by: Chris & Dawn Smith - Coloma, MI
“Wow... going through and reading other people's memories of Kirk has got me choked up and in some cases the tears freely flowing, so touching are...Read More »
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5 of 72 | Posted by: Cherie Shane - Jacksonville, , NC
“Hope, Grace and Kirk's Family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We remember those Jennings family holidays, seeing you, Kirk and that...Read More »
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6 of 72 | Posted by: Ken & Carol Jennings - Eau Claire, MI
“Kirk and Mark were honorary Ridenour family members...I will always miss his great smile. Kirk,Mark and Phil are all together again. My deepest...Read More »
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7 of 72 | Posted by: Ruth Ridenour Rudolph - Tampa, FL
“Dear Ursula, Debi and Anissa,
All my love and prayers are with all of you. I remember the first time I met Kirk. I just moved into the...Read More »
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8 of 72 | Posted by: George Puchinsky - Milwaukee, WI
“I was soshocked when my friend Brad, had called me to tell me about the passing of Kirk. My deepest thoughts 7 prayers go out to Kirk's lovely...Read More »
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9 of 72 | Posted by: LENETTE EVANS - St. Joseph, MI
“So sorry to hear of Kirk's untimely passing. I first met Kirk in high school and then we worked together at Hilltop. We also worked together for a...Read More »
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10 of 72 | Posted by: Mike Hoffmann - Hoffmann's Painting - MI
“Kirk. What do I say. You will be so missed. I am so blessed to have had you for a friend. I'm glad that I had the chance to see you in 2010. Your...Read More »
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11 of 72 | Posted by: Holly Bonifay - Cottondale, FL
“We had only met Kirk a few times, once a year at an annual Memorial Day party.
He was such a kind and gentle person. We will always remember him...Read More »
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12 of 72 | Posted by: Jen & Tony Hunt - Naperville, IL
“I moved to St. Joe in 1992...Kirk was the very first person that I meet. We became friends instantly. He always had a smile on his face and a nice...Read More »
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13 of 72 | Posted by: Mindy Allen - Fort Wayne , IN
“To Kirk & his family, We are so sorry to hear of Kirks passing. He was a great friend and great roommate. He was always thinking of everyone else and...Read More »
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14 of 72 | Posted by: AL & Tammy Lopez - Eau Claire, MI
“I got to know Kirk and Hope (and then Gracelyn) when we all lived on Columbus Ave. in Benton Harbor. He had a passion for 70's rock and was...Read More »
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15 of 72 | Posted by: Michael Volpe - St. Joseph, MI
“I have just learned of Kirk's passing and want to express my heartfelt condolences to Hope and Gracelyn, and to his family. My heart is heavy with...Read More »
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16 of 72 | Posted by: Kristi Peterson - Benton Harbor, IL
“I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.
He...Read More »
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17 of 72 | Posted by: Tammy White - St. Joseph, MI
“I am so sorry for you loss. Kirk was one of those people who stick in your memory with his kindness and love of music. My thoughts and prayers go...Read More »
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18 of 72 | Posted by: Nancy Porter Korendyke - MD
“Dear Ursula,Debi,Anissa & Family
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk.The last time we saw Kirk back in 2007.
Our Hearts and Prayers be with you.
...Read More »
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19 of 72 | Posted by: Anna & Gerhard Henschel - FL
“So sorry to hear of the unexpected loss of such a wonderful young man. Kirk was alwys sweet and kind with a warm, generous smile. My heart goes...Read More »
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20 of 72 | Posted by: Mary Jane Herdt - Cheyenne, WY
“Kirk always smiled and caught the joke. Always made sure to say hi no matter how much he was in a hurry. ;) R.I.P. Uncle Kirk
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21 of 72 | Posted by: Brandy Abraham - Benton Harbor , MI
“. . . to ALL of Kirk's family -
In the garden of LIFE, a rose is a rose is a ROSE. The very beauty of this man's soul was illuminating to say the...Read More »
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22 of 72 | Posted by: Linda & Don - Benton Harbor, MI
“All though I haven't seen Kirk, Hope and Gracelyn for many years I haven't forgotten all of you. Sometimes our friends get put on the back burner...Read More »
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23 of 72 | Posted by: Darleen Blevins Frazee - MI
“I have had a very hard time with your passing kirk.
I mourn for your Girl and Daughter. And your mom and sisters.
All of your family and friends.
...Read More »
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24 of 72 | Posted by: Lisa - Coloma, MI - Friend
“My heartfelt condolences to Kirks family and in particular his partner and daughter at his passing and my thoughts are with them at this time.
When...Read More »
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25 of 72 | Posted by: Philip W Lunsford - Stevensville, MI
“I became Kirk's friend from the first moment I met him, I'm sure many others have had the same experience. He was a special person and my rock n roll...Read More »
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26 of 72 | Posted by: Jay Adams - Stevensville - friend
“Kirk was a kind, patient, gentle & caring person. This sad News Comes As A Shock. I Just saw him right before Christmas, painting, and like always...Read More »
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27 of 72 | Posted by: Dawn - Stevensville Mi, MI
“He had a beautiful soul. I will miss him. My prayers and thoughts to the family.
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28 of 72 | Posted by: Cindy Fannin - St Joseph , MI
“The sad news has reached us of the sudden and untimely death of Kirk, what a shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I spoke with Kirk...Read More »
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29 of 72 | Posted by: Edith Nickel - FL
“I will miss you very much your spirit would make me smile anytime i saw you!! I will do my best to be there for Hope and Gracelyn and make sure they...Read More »
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30 of 72 | Posted by: Laura Seiber - Niles, MI
“I have known Kirk since high school many years ago. There have been so many wonderful memories and I had some of the best times of my life during...Read More »
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31 of 72 | Posted by: Tammy (Blaylock) O'Connor - MI
“I will miss Kirk's warmth and smile; his spirit will live on with us all. Prayers to the family for your loss.
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32 of 72 | Posted by: Karen "Karine" Martin - MI
“uncle kirk, you will be greatly missed. you are one of the nicest people ive yet to meet. mii thoughts and prayers are with the rest of his family.
...Read More »
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33 of 72 | Posted by: Jessica Foley - Phoenix, AZ
“Rest in Eternal Peace my dear, Rest in Eternal Peace.
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34 of 72 | Posted by: Kathleen and Tony Antio - Coloma, MI
“To the Henkel Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Kirk. He was always a nice and kind to me and Phillip Ridenour. My thoughts and prayers are...Read More »
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35 of 72 | Posted by: Michelle Muske - Stevensville, MI
“I first met Kirk when we worked together at Hilltop. It seemed like everywhere I went, we ran into each other. I was always happy to see him. I...Read More »
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36 of 72 | Posted by: Patti and Tony Catania - MI
“Last saw Kirk at the 30th Reunion picnic with his daughter...You are in our Prayers!
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37 of 72 | Posted by: Sonja Henschel - Stevensviile, MI
“Kirk always had a kind word for everyone. He was good at making friends the moment he spoke to you. And his vast knowledge of music always set a...Read More »
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38 of 72 | Posted by: darlene schneider - coloma, MI
“Kirk,
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more hug, we may not understand why you...Read More »
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39 of 72 | Posted by: Paula (Thweatt) Lawson - Acworth, GA
“"A quiet man of music, Denied a simpler fate.
He tried to be a soldier once, but his music wouldn't wait.
He earned his love through discipline, A...Read More »
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40 of 72 | Posted by: Christopher Ames - Fuquay-Varina, NC
“To Kirk's sisters and mother I would like to extend my sincere condolences. Although I've hardly seen Kirk in the last 25 years on the rare occasion...Read More »
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41 of 72 | Posted by: Patrick Oman - Benton Harbor, MI
“It has only been in the past year that I had seen Kirk since graduation, but to Kirk it was as if that time had never passed. I have seen him at...Read More »
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42 of 72 | Posted by: Lori (Yost) Lutz - Three Rivers, MI
“Kirk was such a loving father and, all the times we ran into him at musical venues, he ALWAYS had his daughter with him. What a wonderful example of...Read More »
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43 of 72 | Posted by: Beth Raschke Glenn
“I'm so sad. He always had a smile and hug for you. Kirk will be missed. I hope that God brings his family strength at this difficult time.
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44 of 72 | Posted by: Nancy Pedde - St. Joseph, MI
“Kirk was a good man. I got to know him thru my bartending years at Mickey's Pub. He came in to hear the live music. He always had a smile on his face...Read More »
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45 of 72 | Posted by: Vickie Page - St. joseph, MI
“I could be at la de da music fest./wine fest..where everyone is "fancy" in a crowd of kacki's! Ya know? and there would be Kirk in a tye dye! It...Read More »
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46 of 72 | Posted by: Monica (Sales) Daniel - Coloma, MI
“There is that one person that you meet that always sticks out from the rest..Well, Kirk was that person for many of us . He was always willing to...Read More »
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47 of 72 | Posted by: Lisa Hardt Seitz - Buffalo, NY
“I am so sorry for you loss. My heart and prayers go out to your family in your time of grief.
Caryn Fortuna Lang and Family
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48 of 72 | Posted by: Caryn Fortuna Lang - Loganville, GA
“Kirk, I am going to miss you. While I was in Michigan at each and every visit I saw you @ Czar's. The cool thing was that you knew my husband Rob...Read More »
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49 of 72 | Posted by: Karen ROLAND Todd Varpa - MN
“Very sad to hear of the passing of my friend Kirk. Worked together for years and I always enjoyed seeing him around. Such a soft hearted, gentle guy....Read More »
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50 of 72 | Posted by: Linda Mantke-Dolezan - MI
“My heart reaches out to the family of Kirk. He was a ray of sunshine in the lives of everyone who had the priviledge to know him. Kirk, you will be...Read More »
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51 of 72 | Posted by: Diane McCoy - Benton Harbor, MI
“I am deeply sorrowed by this loss. My very deepest sympathy goes out to you Hope. Kirk was one of the very best people I have ever met. He has...Read More »
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52 of 72 | Posted by: Vikki Hass - Benton Harbor, MI
“Dear Urs, Debbie and Nissa:
I just had to add this memory -- when we were kids, Kirk taught me how to shake a bottle of pop, then open it and watch...Read More »
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53 of 72 | Posted by: Heidi Smith-Gillespie - Westfield, IN
“a beautiful soul.......will never be forgotten.
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54 of 72 | Posted by: mike hall - great friend
“Words will never be able to express the sorrow and pain I feel for your family. It doesn't seem fair to have so many losses in one lifetime. It may...Read More »
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55 of 72 | Posted by: Heidi Smith-Gillespie - Westfield, IN
“Hope, I am so sorry to hear about Kirk. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter and the entire family at this time of sorrow.
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56 of 72 | Posted by: John & Brenda (McCluskey) Fulton - MI
“Dear Ursula and Family,
We are saddened to hear of Kirk's death. We know he was loved by all of you. I remember taking a picture of your happy...Read More »
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57 of 72 | Posted by: Lorraine & Glenn Eckert - MI
“Dear Kirk,
Sorry I never got to say goodbye. You are a sweet and intelligent person. You gave a lot to this world and your life was cut short....Read More »
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58 of 72 | Posted by: Amanda Bergan - South bend , IN
“Ursula, Deb, Anissa & Avery:
I was so sorry to hear about Kirk. Your family has already experienced so many losses, and yet now there is another. ...Read More »
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59 of 72 | Posted by: Michelle Bugg Flaherty - MI
“Kirk,
Your light will shine on forever in our hearts. You always had a smile and a hug for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers for your family and...Read More »
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60 of 72 | Posted by: Marie Orth Shane - cousin
“I had been Kirk's hairdresser for many years. He always has sotries to share because he would only come see me about every 6 months! He was a very...Read More »
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61 of 72 | Posted by: Lori Miller - Sawyer, MI
“When I met Kirk I was in high school and immediately fell in love with him. We were very close for many years.I will never forget all the joy and...Read More »
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62 of 72 | Posted by: Pam (Blaylock) Shoemaker - MI
“Another dear one gone too soon. May the memories you have of your dear one give you comfort. Praying for God's comfort for all of you
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63 of 72 | Posted by: Christa (Linke)Bowe - Otsego, MI
“You left too soon... You and Hope and G were the most loving, close, and happy little familial unit I'd ever seen. G told me today as I was cleaning...Read More »
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64 of 72 | Posted by: Jess Donoho-Anderson - St. Joseph, MI
“I met Kirk 15yrs ago from that day on he became my angel here on earth. RIP Now I know you will always be looking over me. My heart is heavy for all...Read More »
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65 of 72 | Posted by: Jeri Sue Edelberg - Stevensville, MI
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Kirk's passing. Please accept my condolences for your loss. Kirk was fine man, and well-liked by many. I will never...Read More »
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66 of 72 | Posted by: Scott Oman - Aurora, IL - Friend
“Well...what can I say? Kirk was a rare breed.Special, huge heart, fun, strong shoulder to lean on...thanks for all your help buddy while I got...Read More »
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67 of 72 | Posted by: Andrea Anderson - Ocala, FL
“My thoughts and prayers are with Kirk's family and all whose lives he touched. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
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68 of 72 | Posted by: Rina Sellers - St. Joseph, MI
“Tears of sadness are here now, but the joys and memories we have of Kirk will last all of us throughout time. My life and (my children's) would...Read More »
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69 of 72 | Posted by: Sandra J Ames Kaiser - VA
“May your light shine forever.
Carl Piontek
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70 of 72 | Posted by: Carl Piontek and family - Coppell, TX
“I am so sorry to hear this. I remember all the fun family times we had as kids. My heart goes out to his girlfriend, Debbie, Annessa and Aunt...Read More »
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71 of 72 | Posted by: Carl Piontek - Coppell, TX
“Dear Kirk,
You've joined many other Pionteks and Henkels at heaven's gate, but far too soon. You'll be missed by family and friends, but you'll...Read More »
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72 of 72 | Posted by: Annemarie Kubicek - Las Vegas, NV
Kirk Gerd Henkel, 49, of Stevensville, passed away January 14, 2012 at his home.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Thomas Batsky officiating and burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Kirk was born to Bodo Heinz and Ursula (Piontek) Henkel on October 16, 1962 in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was a 1980 graduate of Lakeshore High School, a third generation member of the St. Joseph Kickers Club and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Kirk was self-employed in the painting and wallpaper business. Kirk's passion in life was for music and had attended thousands of live musical performances. He was a collector of music as well as movies and TV shows. He loved discussing and sharing music. Kirk enjoyed long weekends camping and especially attending the Wheatland and Bonoroo music festivals. He loved the outdoors either at the park with his daughter or playing Frisbee at the beach. "Uncle Kirk" was proud of his nieces and nephews and often attended their extra-curricular activities. He enjoyed kids and was named Godfather to many. Kirk was known as a loyal friend with a generous and kind heart as well as a great sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face and a hug to share. He will be missed by many.
Kirk is survived by his mother Ursula Henkel of Stevensville; his love and partner in life Hope McCluskey of Stevensville; a daughter Gracelyn McCluskey of Stevensville; sisters, Debra Akins and Anissa DeSanctis both of St. Joseph; nieces, Avery DeSanctis and Alicia (Paul) Knapp; nephews, Joshua and Sean Akins, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Bodo Henkel in 2008, a brother Mark Henkel in 1995 and a brother-in-law Dustin DeSanctis in 1999.
