William Merlin Kirt

William M. "Bill" Kirt, 64, of Gaylord, Michigan unexpectedly passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Munson Otsego Memorial Hospital.

Bill graduated in 1979 from Gaylord St. Mary's High School in Gaylord, Michigan, being a multi-varsity sports athlete. He furthered his education and achieved an associate's degree at Northwestern Michigan College majoring in Petroleum. Bill accomplished the milestone of 3,000,000+ miles accident free throughout his career as a transport semi-driver, both over the road and local; finishing his career at Blarney Castle Oil Company. Bill enjoyed keeping busy outside of work completing home projects, especially for his family.

Bill was a good man, tall in height but even taller in his kindness and caring for all humanity and animals. His random acts of kindness were present every day throughout his journeys, often without the person knowing his name but remembering the act. Bill quite often would offer light optimism in his own way with what his family pronounced a "Kirtism," hence the 07 timing scheduled in his honor.

Bill was a lover of all sports especially football and baseball, with the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers being his favorite teams. Hockey was becoming a favored sport, as he was learning the game through his son, "Coach" Isaac and was an avid fan of the New Mexico Ice Wolves.

Bill married and is survived by the love of his life, Hope, in Gaylord, Michigan on July 3, 2004, creating a beautiful blended family. Also surviving are his children, Nadia (Jeremiah) Hoover, Lorne (Rachel) Washburn, Andrew (Lisa) Kirt, Isaac Washburn, and Bernard (Kelsey) Kirt; and grandchildren, Miller Hoover, Wyatt Kirt, Sophie Kirt, Ancora Washburn, Bodi Washburn, Zoey Kirt, and Ava Kirt; his father's wife, Lisa Hunter-Kirt, and his siblings Bonnie Downing, Marie Kirt, and Donald T. Kirt; and nieces and nephews. Bill's presence is also greatly missed by his K9 "princess" Miss Blain.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Donald E. and Joan (Wilson) Kirt.

"We may not remember the exact day, but we remember the moments."

A visitation will be held at Gaylord Community Funeral Home on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 3:07 to 7:37 PM, and then again at 11:07 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with the funeral starting at 12:07 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mott Children's Hospital at U of M.