Dick Ray Kirkendall

Dick Ray Kirkendall, age 88, died Saturday, January 23, 2021 at his home in Van Wert.

Dick was born on September 13, 1932, in North Baltimore to Ray and Wilma Kirkendall who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Larry (Ginny), Don (Ann) and Lynn (Sue) Kirkendall.

Dick loved and cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Joanne (Orthwein) Kirkendall; four children, Dean, John (Montserrat), Keith and Annette (Brian) Sandrock; and six grandchildren, Megan, Steven, David, Abby, Irena and Nina. He is also survived by his brother Steve (Camille) Kirkendall and sister Kay (Gordy, deceased) Roberts.

Dick graduated from Continental High School in 1950. After two years working on the Nickle Plate Railroad, he served two years in the U.S. Army in Germany. He returned home and graduate in 1958 with a Bachelors degree in Education from Defiance College, he went on to get his Masters degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1961.

After teaching math and science for four years at Bluffton High School, Dick became principal and then superintendent at Holgate Schools. The family moved to Van Wert in 1971, where Dick served as superintendent of Lincolnview Schools until his retirement in 1986. In retirement, he worked for four years as a park ranger at Rocky Mountain and Great Smokey Mountain National Parks. Returning home to Van Wert he then substitute taught and taught drivers education training for almost 20 years.

An avid sports fan, Dick enjoyed golfing and bowling, and loved following his Lincolnview Lancers and Ohio State Buckeyes.

He touched many in his life and his memory will be cherished by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 14, 2021. Calling hours begin at 9:30 a.m. Dick’s service will also be livestreamed at facebook.com/stmarkslutheranvw/.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Marks Lutheran Church in Van Wert or the Lutheran Hour.

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