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Joseph Kirschvink Obituary

Kirschvink, Joseph F. MD
87, peacefully and unexpectedly passed Dec. 26, 2012. He was born and raised in Lampasas, TX. Between the ages of 4 to 9, he lived with his younger brother Paul in St. Mary's Orphanage, Galveston, Texas, while his widowed mother attended nursing school. He finished his last year of High School in Prescott, AZ. At 17 he joined the Navy serving as an Electrician's mate in New Guinea during WWII. He received his BS in Chemistry from NAU, his MD from the University of Utah, and then specialized in pediatrics. Joseph did genetic and endocrinology research for three years at the University of Washington, before moving to Phoenix, AZ in 1961. He practiced pediatrics for 30 years and then became a consultant for the Department of Economic Security for the next 22 years until his death. Joseph was an avid golfer and enjoyed taking his family camping, fishing, and boating at Lake Powell. He was preceded in death by his two younger brothers Paul and John, survived by his wife Dolores of 65 years, and his children Lily, Mary, Joe, Jim, Steve, Cathy, Carol, and 13 grandchildren. Services will be at Saint Jerome's Catholic Church Monday Dec. 31 at 9:30 AM.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Dec. 29 to Dec. 30, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kirschvink

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Dan Weber

December 23, 2024

Really Loved the camping trips with the Kirschvink family. I hope all of you are doing well.

Shirley Slaysman

June 21, 2013

My sympathy to the family. Dr. Kirschvink took care of my son and daughter for many years in the 70's. I always had complete faith and trust in him. He was a good man. So sorry.

February 26, 2013

Joe was my doctor as a child and I knew him into adulthood...I think the world of him. He was a good at they come! Our thought to Doris and the family.

Connie Farrar

February 15, 2013

I was surprised to learn of Joe's passing. I has spoken to Doris in December and received their wonderful Christmas greeting and photo. It will be treasured. The memories of Joe, Doris and family remain in my thoughts. He was a reassuring, loving and caring doctor to my four sons. He was a good friend to myself and my husband, Maurie, enjoyed golfing with him on many occasions. I remember Dr. Joe showing me several pictures in his chart that one of my boys had made for him. He seemed proud of the pictures, too. He will be missed.

February 5, 2013

Dr. Kirschvink was the only doctor my children saw well into their teens. He was always called the toy doctor, because of the toys in his waiting room. God bless him.

January 27, 2013

I recently heard of Dr. K's passing. I used to work with Dr. K and I just loved him!!!! He was such a nice, friendly, down to earth guy to talk with. Also always a very knowledgeable and humble doctor. I will always have fond memories of working with Dr. K. Sincerely, DEK.

Richard Reznick, MD

January 25, 2013

Dear Mrs. Kirschvink and Family,
Joe was amongst the first pediatricians that I met when I began my pediatric practice in Scottsdale. I always found Joe to be supportive and willing to be helpful and provide his medical expertise in the pediatric community. Although I had not seen Joe for many years I thought about him often and missed our conversations.He was a wonderful man and he will be missed by us all.

Kristen Obrinsky (Weber)

January 13, 2013

Dear Mrs. Kirschvink and family,

I hold you all in my thoughts during this time. I hold many memories of Dr. Kirschvink from my childhood. His gentleness, funniness, love of children, both as a doctor, father, and friend to all the neighborhood kids.
Dr. Kirschvink will always be dear and close to so many, ever present in our hearts. You all are in my prayers and heart.

Dan Weber

January 9, 2013

Dear Kirschvink Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Joe. He was such a good Dad to all of you, a good doctor to his patients and a good man to all who knew him. He will be missed. I also have such good memories of our time in marching band and the camping trips he allowed me to go on with your family. My sincerest condolences to all of you for this loss. Please know that you are all in my prayers.

Frank Patterson

January 4, 2013

Mrs. Kirschvink, I want to send our deepest sympathy to you and your family on behalf of my mother, Mary Ann Patterson.

January 2, 2013

Dolores - I'm sorry I can't find an address so that I can send a more personal note. Although my contact with Joe (and you) over the years was only occasional, I always felt close to Joe as a great guy and great pediatrician. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bob Ganelin

Heather Weber

January 1, 2013

My brothers, sister, mother and I, have so very many wonderful memories of Dr Kirschvink and your family.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers..

Brian Blackwell

December 31, 2012

Lily and Steve ... my thoughts were with you, your mom and siblings today. Sounds like a wonderful family raised by dear parents.

Pam Wertz

December 31, 2012

You were the best pediatrician ever. Many thanks for all that you have given to so many.

Susan & Sandra McGrady

December 31, 2012

Dr.Kirschvink was my sister and my doctor for over 20 years - from 1960's to the 1980's. Such a nice man and highly competent physician. We are so grateful for his good heart and willingness to go out of his way for others. Our hearts go out to the family.

Michelle Conley Schimmelman

December 31, 2012

Dr. Kirschvink you took care of me and my family from the time I was born and now the lord has wrapped his arms around you. I will never forget you or the great care you gave me for over 20 years. I even flew home from S.F. to see you becasue I trusted no other. God has called you home and you will forever be in our hearts.

Joannie Gill (Scott)

December 30, 2012

Steve and Cathy my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your memories comfort you during your time of sorrow. Prayers to all of you.

Jeanine (Covey) Gutowski

December 30, 2012

You will be greatly missed Dr. Joe. You opened your home to all of the neighbor kids and made me feel welcome. It was always an exciting place to hang out at your house. You were the best pediatrician and a great boss. Rest in peace Dr. Joe.

Jeanine (Covey) Gutowski

December 30, 2012

You will be greatly missed Dr. Joe. You opened your home to all of the neighborhood kids and made me feel included and at home . You were the best pediatrician and a great boss. Rest in peace.

LaNell (Parton) Hopkins

December 30, 2012

Joe, Iam am sure God greeted you with "Well done good and faithful servant." You were a special friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Doris and Family. I send my love.

Dave Huster

December 30, 2012

Rest in peace Uncle Joe,Our thoughts and
prayers are with Aunt Doris and family at
this sad time,Dave and family.

Martha Moran

December 29, 2012

You were a great dad in law and will miss your smile Dr Joe.

December 29, 2012

Jane and Jerry Smith will miss sitting with Joe at morning Mass at St. Jerome.

December 29, 2012

Dr. Kirschvink,
Thanks for taking such good care of me and my siblings. I remember you at church, in your office, etc. You were a great man.
Again, thank you.
Steve O.

Evangeline Diaz

December 29, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Kirschvink's family. I remember what a great doctor he was when I was growing up. He was a great role model also. Thank you, Dr. Kirschvink, for taking care of me, my older brother, aunt and uncle. May you rest in peace.

December 29, 2012

Thanks for taking care of me all those years Dr. K.....

Bryan McGuckin

Sylve Dolley

December 29, 2012

RIP Dr Kirschvink. You will be missed. God hold you in his loving arms.

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