Joseph Michael Kirchner

Joseph (Mike) Michael Kirchner, age 73, of Jeffersonville, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at Miami Valley Medical Center in Dayton. Mike left this world unexpectedly and fought until the end, but is now home with the Lord, watching over his family and friends.

Mike spent his life working in sales and with people, and one thing is certain: he loved people. He never met a stranger he didn’t know, and if there was a stranger in the room, then he would be sure to befriend them and include them in the conversations. Some would say he was a natural people person, always meeting life with a smile on his face.

He was an avid fisherman and loved going fishing on Table Rock Lake in Missouri at Big Cedar Lodge, where he and his wife, Marilyn, would vacation annually, sometimes more than once a year, with their family. This became a second home to them, and he loved his time there and being there with his Big Cedar Family. He and his wife, Marilyn, began going there in the early 90s and have been every year since, except for two, and will forever be a special place for them and this family.

Mike was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge, particularly the Jeffersonville Lodge, where he had been a member for over 50 years. Additionally, he was a member of the Washington Court House Shrine Club. He would actively volunteer his time to serve his community with these organizations and made many friends throughout the years. Following his retirement, Mike became even more engaged in his community and was elected Mayor of Jeffersonville, a position he held until this summer, when he stepped down due to declining health. During his time as mayor, he worked to improve the community and leave it better than he found it, by collaborating with local and state officials as the community continued to grow and see new investment and development opportunities.

At home, Mike was a handyman, always finding a project to keep him busy at the house. Whether it was tending to the yard, building something, or simply relaxing on the porch with a Bloody Mary at the end of the day, Mike loved being in the paradise that he and Marilyn had built together. Mike was also a golfer, always enjoying his weekly golf games with friends and any tournament he could participate in. Over the years, he would often travel with his friends across the U.S. to play at various golf courses.

Mike will always be known for his sense of humor, his get-it-done attitude, his willingness to help others, and his deep love for his wife, Marilyn, and his family. There was nothing he was prouder of than his family.

Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn (Pursley) Kirchner of Jeffersonville, OH. His brother, David Kirchner of Florida; daughter, Angela Arnold (Tracy Rinehart) of Jeffersonville; grandsons, Quentin (Brandon) Salas of Nashville, TN, and Dr. Kameron (Brandon) Rinehart of Clarksville, TN; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jackie and Terry Pursley of Milledgeville. Several nieces and nephews also survive him. Mike is also survived by many close friends whom he considers family, including Danny, Marty, Bob, and many others.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents Charles P. and Aileen Finley Kirchner; his brother Doug Kirchner and his and his in-laws, Jack and Dorothy Pursley.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 11am until 1pm, when a Masonic Service will begin, followed by funeral services. Burial will follow at Milledgeville Plymouth Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Littleton Funeral Home of Sabina, Ohio.