John Eugene "Gene" Kirch

My life has been full and rich with blessings, and after 91 years, I am very grateful. My parents, Michael and Anna Kirch provided love, support and guidance to my older brother, Daniel Michael, and myself. Along the way, mentors and friends in school and in the workplace came into my life and provided guidance and support. My years at Muhlenberg College included many good times with friends as well as an education and prepared me for an interesting military experience in the US Army Medical Service School. My blessings include three terrific children with my first wife, Cindy VanDerKar (Corderman): Michael V. Kirch (married to Sherry), Eric V. Kirch, and Rebecca Anne Kirch (Erik T. Huitfeldt) and 10 wonderful grandchildren – Joshua, Erika, Amanda, Scott Eric, Matthew, Leanna, Brian, Nicholas, Thomas and Henrik and many great grandchildren. In 1995 my love and soulmate Barbara Standfast Minehan and I were married and began to enjoy our golden years together. Barb’s four children and their spouses became part of my family. Barb and I have enjoyed good friends and activities, including canoeing, traveling the American and Canadian west, and our country home on Bunn Hill in Vestal. My blessings have included interesting and gratifying employment in three different settings over the years, including General Electric Co. in Schenectady, SUNY Binghamton, and Four Square Tool Corporation. There I was blessed with highly skilled and dedicated employees. There has also been sadness. My brother Dan died too soon (survived by his wife Peggy and sons David and Timothy and their families), as did Barb’s first husband and my good friend Jim Minehan, also my charming son Eric, my son-in-law Erik Huitfeldt, my cousin and close friend Gene Gavurnik and my children’s mother, Cindy. To my friends: I thank you for the many good times together, and I bid you a fond farewell. Please celebrate my life cheerfully as you live your own. My ashes will be spread privately by my family. Gene

A private memorial gathering for immediate family and dear friends will be arranged at a future date. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Gene’s honor are invited to consider the Guthrie Hospice Home Care, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY  13850. 

Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.
 

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