ROCHESTER — Jeffrey Paul Van Kirk, 42, of Rochester, died as a result of an infection surrounding his heart, on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Saint Marys Hospital.
A celebration of Jeff’s life, a "Peffer Party," will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 917 15th Avenue S.E. in Rochester.
Jeff, also known as Bud, Budman, Uncle Bud, Peffer, and Doodie to his nephews, was born in Rochester, on Oct. 14, 1968. He graduated from Mayo High School in 1987. Throughout his life he experienced a multitude of grand adventures, he impacted many lives, and he amassed an incredible array of great, true friends.
Jeff’s smile would light up a room, he could talk to anyone, and he was always willing to help a friend in need. He loved riding his Harley, with the wind in his long braided hair. He decorated his body with a variety of colorful tattoos, which were great conversation pieces for his family and friends while they visited with him in the hospital.
Jeff loved to work on his motorcycles and those of his friends. He loved trout fishing and camping with his high school buddies, playing pool, listening to music, shopping, hockey, the Wild, and the Vikings. He was a wonderful son, helping with yard work, gardening, dog sitting, and so much more. He had a great sense of humor with his brother and sisters, always making fun and sharing memories. His nieces and nephews adored their "Uncle Bud." He would let the girls play with his hair, and he loved to deck them out in Harley gear. His nephews loved sledding with him, going to the park, and to the House of Bounce.
ADVERTISEMENT
Survivors include his parents, Monica Van Kirk and Cliff Van Kirk, both of Rochester; siblings, Brian Love of Dallas, Texas, Becky Love Vik of Maryland Heights, Mo., Meredith (Marnie) Love Farrell of Verona, Wis., and Shawn Anderson of Spring, Texas; nieces, Grace, Sarah and Sophie Vik; nephews Jack and Gavin Farrell; aunts and uncles, Julie Van Kirk Eaton, Nancy Van Kirk Brumm, Bonnie Hoghaug, Lynn Hoghaug, and Fred and Kathy Mann; cousins, Paul Hoghaug, Erik Hoghaug, Monica Hoghaug Murphy, Steven Mann, Philip Mann, Elizabeth Mann, Ashley Eaton, Troy Daggett, and Jenny Mann; and his favorite pets Bummer, Jack, Gordy, Bear and the late Sadie.
Jeff’s family wishes to thank the Patient Care Unit staff on Mary Brigh 6B at Saint Marys Hospital. They were so sensitive to the family’s needs and accommodating to the large group of people wishing to visit with Jeff.
Memorial gifts are preferred to New Beginnings at Waverly, 109 Northshore Drive, Waverly, Minn., 55390. 1-800-487-8758.
