Roger L. Kirby

Roger L. "Butch" Kirby, age 64 2215 Trenton Road Formerly of: 8706 Rt. 52 South Time, day and date of death: 1:52 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2008 Place and cause of death: at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be on Wednesday at the Church of the Nativity at 11:00 a.m. Burial of his ashes will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Behr's, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque. Rosary/Wake Service: there will be a wake service at 3:00 p.m. Roger was born on July 2, 1944, in Davenport, Iowa, son of Joseph and Mary (Olson) Kirby. He attended Nativity Grade School, graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and attended the Aviation program at the University of Dubuque. Roger served in the Strategic Air Command with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era. Roger married Shari Freiburger on February 4, 1967, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Dubuque. He worked as a delivery man at Trenkle's Meats and then worked at the Dubuque Packing Co. until 1981. He also worked as a delivery man for the Walnut Beer Store. In 1981, Roger and Shari opened Happy Hangers Painting and Wallpaper Co.. In 1999, they purchased Sweet Memories Ice Cream Shop on Fourth Street. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Roger especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, especially his trip to Israel and his three trips to Ireland with Shari, his sister Sharon and his aunt Lavonne to find the family farm. Roger was able to fulfill his wish of taking his grandchildren to Disney World in Florida one last time in May. Roger's laugh and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. He adored his family and loved da' Bears! Survivors: His Wife: Shari Kirby, Dubuque, IA 1 Daughter: Rachel (Eric) Savage, Dubuque, IA 1 Granddaughter: Gabriella Giunta, Dubuque, IA 1 Grandson: Roger "R. J." Giunta, Dubuque, IA 2 Sisters: Sharon (Bob) Bainbridge, Independence, IA Patty (Don) Kowalske, Dubuque, IA 4 Brothers: Larry (Renee) Kirby, Dubuque, IA Jerry (Lynn) Kirby, Dubuque, IA Bob (Donna) Kirby, Dubuque, IA Mike (Carrie) Kirby, Dubuque, IA Aunts, uncles and cousins Many nieces and nephews his godsons, Major Brian J. Freiburger, USAF, and Shilo Fury Preceded in death by: his parents; a son, Roger Lee Kirby II; 3 nephews, Josh Bainbridge and Justin and Nathan Fury; and 1 cousin, Merrily Dankert Memorials: A Roger L. Kirby Memorial Fund has been established. Thank You. Roger's family would like to express a special thank-you to Dr. Viner, Dr. Kraemer, Dr. Kukla and the Oncology staff at Medical Associates and Hospice of Dubuque.