Obituary for Daniel T. Kirchner
Daniel T. Kirchner made his assent to his Heavenly home April 26, 2021 at Spectrum Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan after a brief illness. He was born July 2, 1943 in Lansing, Michigan to the late Robert J. and Patricia Ruth (Grundy) Kirchner.
From the tender age of 4 Dan learned to play music. His instrumental music renditions have entertained and inspired people for generations. He loved playing his music for anyone who listened, and it brought him so much joy. Music festivals, living room jam sessions, family gatherings, senior centers, and church were his favorite places to share his gift with others. And what a gift it was!
Along with his musical abilities, Dan was a quiet soul with a way of making people feel special. He always had a complimentary and encouraging word, a goofy joke, or a quick smile. He had his mother to thank for his quick wit. His father encouraged his craft of woodworking which is just as amazing as his music. He was meticulous in everything-always striving to improve.
Dan was a long-time resident of Shepherd, Michigan with his wife Lorraine, who was the light of his life. They were inseparable. He was a member of Strickland Baptist Church of Shepherd where he shared his love of music and the Lord with his church family.
Dan is survived by his wife, Lorraine K. (Parks) Kirchner, of the home. One brother, Thomas K. Kirchner and wife Bharti, Birmingham, Washington. His children: Lori (Kirchner) Ross and husband Scotty, Decatur, Texas; Dawn Kirchner, Ada, Oklahoma; Rob Kirchner and wife Cyndi, Durant, Oklahoma; and Michelle (Kirchner) Beck and husband Ted, of Ashley, Michigan. 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren: Nate Salyer and wife Lindsey and daughter Sarah, Bobby Salyer and daughters Abigail and Addison, Stephanie (Salyer) Hefley and husband Ryan and sons Waylon and Wyatt, Levi Badgley, Hunter Beck, Cody Beck, John Beck, Christian Kirchner, Justin Kirchner, and Alyia Pugh.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter-in-law Brandi Lyn (Ingle) Salyer, several aunts and uncles, and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held July 10 at Strickland Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions or donations in his name to the worship and praise ministry of Strickland Baptist Church or the Heart and Lung Center of Spectrum Health.
From the tender age of 4 Dan learned to play music. His instrumental music renditions have entertained and inspired people for generations. He loved playing his music for anyone who listened, and it brought him so much joy. Music festivals, living room jam sessions, family gatherings, senior centers, and church were his favorite places to share his gift with others. And what a gift it was!
Along with his musical abilities, Dan was a quiet soul with a way of making people feel special. He always had a complimentary and encouraging word, a goofy joke, or a quick smile. He had his mother to thank for his quick wit. His father encouraged his craft of woodworking which is just as amazing as his music. He was meticulous in everything-always striving to improve.
Dan was a long-time resident of Shepherd, Michigan with his wife Lorraine, who was the light of his life. They were inseparable. He was a member of Strickland Baptist Church of Shepherd where he shared his love of music and the Lord with his church family.
Dan is survived by his wife, Lorraine K. (Parks) Kirchner, of the home. One brother, Thomas K. Kirchner and wife Bharti, Birmingham, Washington. His children: Lori (Kirchner) Ross and husband Scotty, Decatur, Texas; Dawn Kirchner, Ada, Oklahoma; Rob Kirchner and wife Cyndi, Durant, Oklahoma; and Michelle (Kirchner) Beck and husband Ted, of Ashley, Michigan. 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren: Nate Salyer and wife Lindsey and daughter Sarah, Bobby Salyer and daughters Abigail and Addison, Stephanie (Salyer) Hefley and husband Ryan and sons Waylon and Wyatt, Levi Badgley, Hunter Beck, Cody Beck, John Beck, Christian Kirchner, Justin Kirchner, and Alyia Pugh.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter-in-law Brandi Lyn (Ingle) Salyer, several aunts and uncles, and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held July 10 at Strickland Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions or donations in his name to the worship and praise ministry of Strickland Baptist Church or the Heart and Lung Center of Spectrum Health.