Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Van Kirk Obituary

Van Kirk, Michael J.
48 of Reno, Nevada passed away on December 27, 2009 after a 2½ year fight with cancer. He was born on January 13, 1961 to Sharon and Harlan Van Kirk in Waukesha, WI. He was predeceased by his father in December of 1989. He attended Maryvale High School and Glendale Community College. He is survived by his mother Sharon and his step father Ted Holmes of Sun City, his sons Quest Michael and Zachary David of Sparks, NV, his brothers Rusty (Dianne) of Taylor, AZ, Shawn (Sharon) of Knoxville, TN, Ed (Angie) of Anthem, AZ and sister Geneva Carlson (Don) of Myrtle Creek, Oregon. For the past 13 years he worked by day as a mild mannered Quality Supervisor for U.S. Airways. By night he pursued his life long love of Standup Comedy. He worked at Comedy Comedy at the Reno Hilton and Funny Bone in Reno. He tried out for Last Comic Standing in Tempe, Arizona. His last major act was finishing in second place at Catch a Rising Star in Reno. Arrangements by Walton Sierra Chapel in Reno. There will be a celebration of his life at Great Basin Brewery in Sparks, NV. on January 13, 2010 from 8:00-11:00pm

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

Published by The Arizona Republic from Dec. 31, 2009 to Jan. 1, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Van Kirk

Not sure what to say?





Sharon Deal

January 14, 2010

You will always be the kind,caring, and funny Uncle I grew up knowing. You always knew the right words say when they needed to be said even if it was a joke. I will remember the times I visited Reno when I was younger. We always made sure I got to come and visit when I was up in the area even if it could only be a few hours. I always had a good time with you and my cousins. I will miss you, we will all miss you, and you will forever be loved!

Tina and John Wasson

January 14, 2010

Mike you are the most unique person I have ever met in my life. You always kept me smiling even when I was having a bad day. You where always smiling and popping off jokes at work, We will really miss you.

Dave Mencarelli

January 11, 2010

Mike had a big heart and was one of the most genuinely sweet people I've ever encountered. I wish, as people often do in these situations that I'd shared these feelings with him when I had the chance. I can see that he was well loved by everyone he encountered and was not only loved, but respected by his family and friends. RIP, Michael.

monique burch

January 9, 2010

MVK you are one of the best bosses i ever had and im so sorry that you lost the battle i think if anyone could bet this it would be you i hope you keep everyone up there rollin if you see my dad ralph you too should get along just awesome :)

geneva carlson

January 6, 2010

My wondeful little brother, you have no idea how much I'm going to miss your smiling face. With that witty sparkle in your eye just before you get ready to lay the big one on us. When the clouds and thunder are rolling across the sky, I'll only imagine that god is rolling on the floor with laughter, becouse you told him the big one! I love you always !!! lour sis, Genie

This photo was taken at our moms TiKi Party !

Genie Carlson

January 6, 2010

I'm going to miss you little brother. How you always kept us lauphing and how you would do your interpritation of close incounters with the mash potatoes and gravey.Every time I hear the rolling thunder, I'll imagine god rolling on the floor with laughter.
Keep them lauphing sweety! I Love you always, your sis Genie

sandra sumpter

January 5, 2010

Mike.. You will truly be missed..Thanks for being such a great friend and coworker. You will truly never know what a difference you have made in my life..Thanks for everything and keep heaven laughing..

Annette Nelson Brooks

January 3, 2010

I do know who you think you are! a wonderful man, terrific son, loving brother, supportive dad, marvelous friend, fantastic comedian, genuine and helpful team leader, co-worker and employee but mostly a sincerely loved individual. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Greg and Brenda Abner

December 31, 2009

Mike you are truly missed and will be missed more in the future. Thanks for being a great friend to Brenda and I and our family. Just another journey for you old friend. Keep em laughing. Everyone needs a good laugh....

December 31, 2009

Mike you are truly missed and will be missed more in the future. Thanks for being a great friend to Brenda and I and our family. Just another journey for you old friend. Keep em laughing. Everyone needs a good laugh....

Cathy Simpson

December 31, 2009

Mike, you used to say " Do you not realize who I think I am?" You always made me laugh with that one... The question now is- Do you now realize how much you were loved? Miss you so much my funny friend... Keep 'em laughing in heaven! You ARE the "Last Comic Standing"....

December 31, 2009

You will live on in our hearts, minds and on Youtube! If I know you, you have already preformed your first gig in Heaven! I will forever miss your heart, mind and humor.

Ed Van Kirk

Tiffany Whitaker

December 31, 2009

Mike your were truly a a wonderful person and a great supervisor we will miss you and you laugh.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Van Kirk's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Van Kirk

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Van Kirk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more