Obituary of Robert J. Kirsch

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Robert J. Kirsch, 80, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at his home.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. American Legion Post 137 will conduct a service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Funeral services will be held at St. Francis Xavier Basilica at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery in Earlville.  Rev. Chris Podhajsky will officiate.  Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 137.

Bob was born on June 25, 1943, in Worthington Iowa, the son of Norbert and Mary Catherine (Losey) Kirsch.  He graduated from St. Paul High School, Worthington, in 1961.  Bob served in the U.S. Marines from October 1962 through 1966.  He married Elaine Althoff on October 23, 1965, in Cascade, IA and together they lived and raised their family in Dyersville. 

Bob began his 62-year trucking career with Ben Loecke Trucking in Worthington and drove over the road for many area companies including Jack Link, H & W, Hutchison, Standard Forwarding, Eldon Jaeger Trucking and then most recently with Ben Jones Trucking.

Bob was an avid hunter, cared for his beloved horses, and was involved in the yearly Midwest Pride in your Ride for cancer in Earlville, IA.  Bob was the longest member of the Dubuque Saddle Club. He was a member of Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited.  Recently Bob was honored with the Quilt of Valor. 

Survivors include his son, Scott (Tammy) Kirsch of Anamosa, IA; son-in-law, Carl Greenwood of Epworth; 6 grandchildren: Tyler (Jena) Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Ryan, Elliot, Evan and Owen Gaul, 2 step grandchildren, Alex and Kaleob, 1 great grandchild, Leighton Johnson; siblings: Mike (Lucy) Kirsch, Pat (Dick) Haigh, Karen (Dave) Koppes, all of Dubuque, Jan (Jim) Singsank of Dyersville, Sharon (Mike) Downing of Dubuque and Ray (Jenny) Kirsch of Dyersville;  in-laws: Geri (Frank) Kintzle, Cathy (Jack) Graham, Margie Althoff, and Ron Dzaboff, a special friend, Sandy Clouse, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elaine in 2000, his parents-in-law Frank and Vivian Althoff, in-laws: Doris Kirsch, Virginia Dzaboff, Charles and Geraldine Althoff, Clarence Althoff, Ed and Mary Ann Althoff, and a nephew, Ted Althoff.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Kari Hogan of Hospice of Dubuque, and Ben Jones of Jones Trucking.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Memorials may be sent to the family, (in care of Kramer Funeral Home) 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.