Francis (Frank) Kirk's Obituary
Mecosta - Francis (Frank) Kirk, age 94, died November 6, 2011 at his home with his wife and children by his side. Frank was born on July 24, 1917 in Pittsburgh, PA to Frank and Mary (Carlisle) Kirk. Frank earned an Industrial Engineering degree from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1943. Frank served as First Lieutenant in the 1596th Army Air Force Base Unit during WWII and was stationed at Fort Nelson in the Alaskan Division, British Columbia. He earned the American Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. Frank worked at American Bridge division of United States Steel his entire career. He began working for American Bridge in 1946 as an industrial engineer, was appointed time study engineer and finally was assistant to the plant manager when he retired in 1980. Frank worked at bridge plants in Pittsburgh, PA, Trenton, NJ, Minneapolis, MN and Gary, IN. Frank met Elinor Olive Wenzelburger at the Community House in Pittsburgh, PA. They were married October 13, 1945. They had 2 children: Donald (Cathy) Kirk of Vincennes, IN and Marilyn (Gregg) Shewan of Big Rapids, MI. Frank and Elinor were faithful members of Presbyterian Churches most of their lives. When they moved to Big Rapids in 2007 they joined Fellowship Christian Reformed Church. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, sisters (Mary Kirk Keller and Arcilla Kirk Clark). He is survived by his loving wife, Elinor of Mecosta, MI, son and daughter, grandchildren: Emily (Peter) Haskins, Jonathan Kirk, Sara (Brian) Vander Bie, Amy Shewan, Samuel (Angie) Shewan, Benjamin Shewan and 5 great -grandchildren. Services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11 AM at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Ken Krause officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10 AM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice or Fellowship Christian Reformed Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.
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