Kraig A. Kircher

Kraig Alan Kircher of Dallas, OR, was born on July 21, 1970, in Portland Oregon and died in Salem Oregon on January 26, 2026. He was 55 years old.

Kraig was one of the last three babies born at the original St. Vincent hospital in northwest Portland. He graduated high school in Tigard and attended Portland Community College earning his Associate Degree in Automotive Mechanics in 1990. Kraig soon realized after college that his passion for automotive was for a hobby but not as a career. After applying his mechanical aptitude to a variety of different jobs, he took a position with Hampton Lumber at their Willamina Oregon mill eventually becoming their primary machine operator. He had worked for Willamina Lumber for 29 years at the time of his death.

His love of old cars soon turned to the old Model A that he inherited from his grandfather. This became a lifetime project as he would spend hours sanding and polishing all the different parts. He had a love for steam engines of all types, especially railroad and farming engines, and he became a member of the Steam Fiends Association at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks Oregon. Kraig loved kids and when visiting family or friends could soon be found playing on the floor with them or teaching them about engines, etc.

Kraig is survived by his father Robert Bruce Kircher and preceded in death by his mother Phyllis Faye (Vollman) Kircher, and sister Kye Lynn Kircher. Kraig will be dearly missed by many family and friends.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to WSFA Western Steam Fiends Association, 3995 Brooklake Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303, or to ORHF Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, PO Box 42443, Portland, OR 97242

All are welcome to attend a brief graveside memorial on Saturday, February 7th, 1pm, at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, 7961 Hwy 99W, McMinnville, OR, followed immediately by a hosted gathering for food and drink at Golden Valley Brewery & Restaurant, 980 NE 4th St, McMinnville, OR