Kenneth Steven "Steve" VanKirk
Kenneth Steven "Steve" VanKirk
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Kenneth VanKirk Obituary
Steve was born on November 10, 1949, in Jefferson, Iowa, to the late Stephan "Bud" Grant VanKirk and Dorothy (Kendall) VanKirk. In 1959, the VanKirk family relocated to Arizona, where Steve was raised in Gilbert. He graduated from Gilbert High School and went on to study Math & Civil Engineering at Mesa Community College.
On September 1, 1973, Steve married the love of his life, Kathleen (Gonzales) of Mesa, Arizona. Together they built a life rooted in love, raising two sons, Steven Henry VanKirk and Matthew David Van Kirk.
Steve was known for his deep love of family, which always came first in his life. He took immense pride in being "Grandpa" to his grandchildren: Jillian, Griffin, and Kenny. His passions included sports-especially cheering for Arizona State University-hunting and camping with family and friends, watching Westerns, and his fascination with Bigfoot. He will be remembered for his wit, his warmth, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. His absence leaves a hole in many hearts that words cannot fill.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:00AM at Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery in Mesa, with Edwin Lamoreaux officiating and providing special music.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Stephan "Bud" and Dorothy VanKirk. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kathleen VanKirk; brother William "Bill" VanKirk (Joann) of Mesa, AZ; sons Steven VanKirk (Michelle McKay) of Flagstaff, AZ, and Matthew Van Kirk (Jessica) of Mesa, AZ; and his cherished grandchildren, Jillian and Griffin VanKirk of Flagstaff, AZ, and Kenneth Van Kirk of Mesa, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made to any cancer research organization of your choice in honor of Steve.
Arrangements were cared for by Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85207, (480) 530-7138
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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7900 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85207-8948
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