Robert Jerome "Bob" Kirchoff, 55
Robert Jerome "Bob" Kirchoff, 55, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Helena, after a major stroke experienced while residing at his brother's home in Kalispell.
He was born on Aug. 20, 1949, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Paul Donald and LaVonne June (Piche') Kirchoff. Bob grew up all over the United States of America, except for a five-year period where the family lived in Ipswich, England, as his father had a career in the Air Force.
Following in the footsteps of his father, he served in the Air Force for six active years of duty, which included one tour in Vietnam.
In 1973, after an honorable discharge he settled in Tacoma, Wash., by his wife Pamela's (Baker) family. This union brought forth two daughters, Veronica J. "Ronnie" and Cassandra J. "Cassie" Kirchoff.
Bob completed training programs in both welding and auto body mechanics at Clover Park Vo-tech. He worked over 28 years as an auto body journeyman in the Tacoma area. Having a "natural talent working with cars" he did excellent work in his trade, but had to give it up when an injury (broken neck) sustained while in the military affected that work and his quality of life. Also due to other health problems he developed, he couldn't continue to work, and struggled as a 30 percent disabled veteran.
Bob got most of his pleasure when he took up golf in the 1980s. He played a lot at the P.L.U. course in Spanaway, Wash., achieving a hole in one trophy on Oct. 17, 1992, at the 11th hole. He also enjoyed being on pool leagues at the Rustic Inn in Tacoma. Bob continued playing both sports, for pleasure with his brother here in the local area. He also enjoyed singing and would participate in karaoke.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and most recently in January, lost two of his aunts, Mary Piche' and Alice McCormick.
He is survived by his daughters, and their mother, Pam, who reside in the state of Washington; also brothers, Paul Kirchoff and his wife, Laurette, and their son, Nathaniel, of Kalispell, and Michael Menick and his wife, Bertha, and their two daughters, Ericka and Marissa, of Whittier, Calif.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins too numerous to mention.
A private family get together to celebrate Robert's life, is all the formality he wished to take place. He was loved and will be missed, deeply.
The family suggests that donations be made to the Creston Rural Fire Department/QRU, 4498 Montana 35, Kalispell, MT 59901; or the VFW Food Pantry, 1527 Montana 35, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.