With loving family at his side, Wayne John Kirk, 92, of Winona, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 18, 2023. Wayne was born on September 24, 1931, in Kenosha, WI, the only child of John Evans Kirk and Daisy Viola (Fredericksen) Kirk.
Wayne was a teacher all his life… to his students, children and grandchildren. After graduation from high school, he enrolled at La Crosse State College and earned a two-year rural teaching degree. His teaching was soon interrupted by the Korean War when he was drafted and sent to Korea. He arrived there in January 1953 in the bitter cold and was assigned to the Thunderbird Division, 45th Infantry, and the Headquarters Company of the 3rd Battalion. He received the Combat Infantry Badge for being on the front line.
After the war, Wayne returned to La Crosse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. He taught three years as a sixth-grade teacher in Racine, WI. On June 15, 1957, Wayne married Angelen Holter in La Crosse, WI. They always felt blessed to be together 69 years.
Continuing his professional education, he earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana. While teaching at the University of Minnesota Laboratory School from 1953-1963, he continued his graduate studies.
In 1964, he became a member of the Department of Education at Winona State College, where he taught elementary and social studies methods. Soon after he earned the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Minnesota.
Many teachers who were his graduate students and advisees accompanied him on memorable tours of Washington, DC, and Williamsburg. His retirement as professor emeritus in 1993 enabled him to continue contact with former students worldwide. His caring, humor and teaching skills touched many, and they responded in kind.
Wayne delighted in his children, grandchildren and great-grandson, and would visit them at every opportunity, gifting them with stories he had written. This meant many trips to Sweden and Norway. His wit delighted them, and he used his love of history and travel to instill lifelong learning skills. Camping with Grandpa was the best of their summer trips.
His enjoyment of sports included loyalty to both the Cubs and the Packers — it pleased him that his Swedish grandson was a Packers fan also.
Many WSU international students became part of the Kirk family and continue to call him Dad. His devotion to them was especially shown through hospitality during the holidays.
Cherished students include Arnhild Sunnana and Gunvor Sokn, of Norway; Mustafa, Mahdi and Ali Omar of Somalia; and Jianquan Huang and daughter Jia Jia of China. One, Tomas Johansson, of Sweden, was a future son-in-law.
Wayne was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and appreciated the sermons given by pastors Robert and Tori Hicks. Their caring pastoral visits were a comfort to him.
Wayne was a faithful member of the No Gossip Morning Coffee Group at Hy-Vee. It was the highlight of his morning, and he so enjoyed the banter.
Wayne is lovingly survived by his wife, Angelen; his daughters, Kelly and Kim Kirk of Montana, and Robin Kirk (Tomas) Johansson of Sweden. Grandchildren mourning him are Christoffer (Sofia) and Alexandra and great-grandson Jack, who all reside in Sweden. He is survived by his dear cousins, Lloyd Kirk and Elaine (Kirk) and Huntley Halvorson; close family friends, including Dr. Frances Ragsdale, Dr. Erin Peters; and Dr. Patricia Tolmie.
Wayne’s wishes were for a private family committal service and burial at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN. Later, a celebration of life will be open to all who enjoyed and loved Wayne.
Memorials may be directed to the new Minnesota State Veterans Home in Preston or to other donors’ wishes.