Stephen J Kirkwood III, age 97, of Edgerton, Wisconsin passed away at his home on Sunday, March 27, 2011. He was born September 2, 1913 in Dellwood, Wisconsin to Stephen J. Kirkwood II and Maud Decorah Goodbear. A Masonic funeral service will be performed at the gravesite at Mount Repose cemetery in Friendship, Wisconsin at 1:30 PM on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Ho-Chunk drums will conclude the ceremony.
Steve started his schooling at the Bethany Indian Mission in Wittenberg, Wisconsin. He returned to the Adams-Friendship area for eighth grade and high school. He played center for the basketball team.
He married Clara McFarlin and they had two boys, Kent and Robert (Bob). He went to Chicago in 1937 where he worked for the Belt Railway Company for 37 years until his retirement at age 60. Steve and Clara divorced and he married Lora Cass. Steve loved to drive and he and Lora visited almost all the continental United States and Canada.
He liked to fish, play cards and visit Ho-Chunk Gaming. He both golfed and bowled until he was 93.
He was a lifetime member of the Elks and a life member 32nd Degree Master Mason. He was also a member of the Valley of Madison Scottish Rite Order and 30 year member of the Zor Shrine in Madison.
He was one of the original members of the Wisconsin Winnebago Business Committee (WWBC), for which he was honored in November, 2010.
At the time of his death he was the oldest living member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, both wives and four brothers: Lawrence Kirkwood, Arthur Kirkwood, Harold Kirkwood and Josh Sanford.
He is survived by his sons Kent (Jean) Kirkwood of Mount Prospect, Illinois and Robert Kirkwood of Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada; grandchildren, Mary (Jeff) Draffkorn, Catherine (John) Hosek, Elizabeth (Igor Gorodovsky) Kirkwood, and Joan (Brian) Sherrill and nine great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent in his name to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607-1460.
Roseberry’s funeral home is assisting the family. Visit www.Roseberry’s.com for online condolences and further information.
I am sorry for your family’s loss. My prayers are with you in this time. My mom Evelyn knew Clara and spoke of her and Stephen very highly.
Kent to you and your family, I and my family send our condolences. I know you where very proud of your father, and those of us who got to meet him if for only a moment knew with out a doubt why you were so rightly proud of your dad.
With a heart felt blessing,
John
I am truly sorry for your loss. It was an honor to help him with his last days on earth. He will be missed not only by me but others that knew him as well. Once again I am sorry for your loss.
My sympathy to the family. Mr Kirkwood blessed my community and my train store with his presence.
I consider him a friend for many years now and will miss him a lot. Rest dear friend.
You all have my sincere sympathy in your loss.
Bob, sorry to read of your Fathers passing.
Kent and family – – Amazing how we are all connected. Was so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. As I read the obituary I could not help but see all the names and the many connections Steve had in his life. My warm thoughts go with you all during this time of challenging time.
Steve’s smile will be missed at our next General Council Meeting.
Best,
Wendy
YOUR LOST WILL BE FELT BY MANY. OUR
LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
When Jesus was on earth he showed us the breadth
of His compassion..His love for you and me.
John 17:3, Psalms 83:18.
He walked awhile among us, giving all He had to
give, to set us an exampleto teach us how to live.
John 11:26
He left His place in heaven, His glory and His
throne and walked awhile among us to show us
how to live. 1 Timothy 2:3,4.
God Blessed Stephen with a wonderful, fullfilling life. My Sister, Guadalupe spoke highly of Stephen throughout the years, and I also had the pleasure of meeting him on several occassions. Stephen will be missed, and always kept close to our hearts in our memories. We truly respected him as an Elder, as did my Sister Anna, of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and will continue that respect within our family.
God Bless,
Anita Salinas-Nevsimal, and Salinas Family.