Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Kirn Obituary
John Robert Kirn PhD, Professor of Biology at Wesleyan University, died last Sunday, November 10, 2019 at his home in Middletown, CT at the age of 67. John was born in Columbus, Ohio, son of the late John Justus Kirn and Martha (Von Mulley) Kirn. John is survived by a daughter Ella Seiwert-Kirn, a son, Jake Seiwert-Kirn, their mother Cindy Seiwert, and his beloved sisters Roberta Kirn and Marda Kirn. Dr. Kirn received his BA from the University of Denver, his MA from Bucknell University, his PhD from Cornell University, and joined the Wesleyan Biology department in 1994. Dr. Kirn was an accomplished teacher at Wesleyan as well as a well-respected neuroscientist who published numerous papers focused on how dynamic processes in the brains of song birds acquire and store information. John served as the chair of the Biology Department from 2015-2017, and as the chair of the Neuroscience and Behavior program from 2001-2013. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 6 pm at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown. Friends may gather prior to the service from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to Little Traverse Conservancy ( https://landtrust.org/) or the ACLU (aclu.org). To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kirn
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Sarah Pallas
January 28, 2021
I only recently learned of John's passing. We were grad students together at Cornell. He was one of my favorite people there. He was kind enough to invite me to give a seminar at Wesleyan, and I would occasionally see him at meetings. I will always remember him as a gentle soul who had a dry wit that I really enjoyed.
jake aronowitz
October 20, 2020
John is the reason I do what I do. He was and will continue to be an inspiration in my work but also in my life. Not just how to do science, but how to do science the right way: mentoring patiently and being skeptical of weird data, not weird people. Thank you for everything, John. You are missed.
Ann Burke
February 3, 2020
Please note that the Biology Department at Wesleyan is planning a memorial service for John on April 4th .
Please send your inquiries to [email protected]
January 10, 2020
I learned yesterday of John's passing and it is with deep sadness that I write this note.
John was a kind, gentle and innovative teacher, scientist and friend. My condolences to Cindy, the kids and the NS&B community at Wes as well as his PPG family. John was a prince.
Mike Robinson
November 20, 2019
John was a wonderful colleague and an incredibly supportive mentor. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and will miss his advice deeply. He was a fantastic role model to so many students and junior faculty. I will miss our conversations and his gentle demeanor, and will always remember his mannerisms.
Peter Shatos
November 20, 2019
I've worked for John going on 10 years. He was always smiling and pleasant when I needed to talk to him about research in his finch colony, or just to see how he was doing. He will be missed.
Jim Donady
November 20, 2019
My opinion of John will always bring my smile to have known a good,smart and fair man, who was a highly successful scientist,colleague,mentor and teacher and who took on administrative duties to support his Program, Department and University. I hold John in highest respect and will try to use the lessons he taught us.
Helen Treloar
November 20, 2019
John was a valued colleague who will be sorely missed. The Wesleyan neuroscience community has lost a friend, mentor, teacher and leader. My condolences to his family.
Matthew Kurtz
November 20, 2019
John was a trusted and encouraging colleague, who could always be depended upon to offer thoughtful answers to any question. His preternatural calmness always placed interactions with him on a solid footing. My most treasured memories are how comfortable he made me feel during my transition to Wesleyan campus: always emphasizing how happy he was to have me as a colleague. Thanks John!
Rachel Henderson
November 20, 2019
I was so sad to hear about John's passing. I was his student and undergraduate researcher in his lab when he first came to Wesleyan. He was such a kind mentor and fantastic teacher. He had a major impact on my career path by getting me excited about neurobiology, helping me decide what to do after college, and having confidence in my abilities. I am forever grateful for his guidance and kindness. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
The Brown Family
November 19, 2019
Although, we never had the opportunity to personally meet John, we can see that he passed on many fine qualities to his daughter, Ella. Through the many stories we have heard, it is obvious that John was not only a scholar but an amazing father. He has passed on to his daughter, a passion for science and a heart that is kind and caring. We are blessed to have your daughter in our lives and thankful for the impact you had on her. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones.
Tom Thornburg
November 19, 2019
Too long since I saw John. Sweet, generous man who loved people I love. Best to all who mourn his loss.
Ruth Weissman
November 18, 2019
I was deeply saddened to hear the news that John passed away. I valued him as a trusted colleague. He was a gentle soul, a caring teacher and thoughtful and supportive colleague.
Maureen Snow
November 18, 2019
I worked with John often in the past 25 years and cannot remember a single instance where he raised his voice or expressed impatience, annoyance or displeasure. You will see the word "kind" repeated here frequently because it is simply what comes to mind when you think of him. John, you will be missed by many.
Stephen Devoto
November 18, 2019
He was a kind person, a kind friend, a kind teacher, a kind mentor, and a kind scientist.
Janice Naegele
November 18, 2019
John was adored by his students and deeply loved and admired by his colleagues at Wesleyan University. I will miss his intellect, wit, and friendship.
Mike May
November 18, 2019
John always made me feel at ease with him. I'll always remember his gentle and kind spirit. Too soon, my friend, far too soon. Rest peacefully.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in John Kirn's name
Memorial Events
for John Kirn
Nov
20
Memorial Gathering
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Biega Funeral Home - Middletown3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Nov
20
How to support John'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor John Kirn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
