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Ivan Lawrence Kirkelie
09/25/1937 — 12/05/2004
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Foxholm, North Dakota
Ivan Lawrence Kirkelie
EINANS FUNERAL HOME . Ivan Kirkelie of Richland passed away December 5th, 2004 at Kadlec Medical Center after a long illness.
Ivan was born to Ivan and Maude Kirkelie on September 25th, 1937 in Foxholm, North Dakota. As a young boy the family moved from North Dakota to Oregon settling in Moro, where he attended school and graduated in 1956. He excelled at sports, receiving 15 Varsity letters. He loved to compete and always played to win. While attending college he married Tonai Miller on February 9th, 1957.
Ivan and Tonai moved to Richland in 1961 where Ivan went to work at PRTR for General Electric, while working there Ivan developed a process for cleaning heavy water and was awarded the Cordiner Award. The family left the area in 1968. Ivan started a new career as a Life Insurance salesman where he excelled receiving the Man of the Year award several times.
Ivan retired in 2000, he spent his retirement years enjoying family gathering and especially watching his grandchildren play sports.
Ivans 47 years of marriage was his greatest treasure, their care and concern for each other never ended.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Maude, his sister Evelyn, brother-in-law Carl.
Ivan is survived by his wife Tonai, sons Ivan Brian and wife LaVerne, James Bart and wife Georgia, grandsons Tyson, Tony, Matthew, Adam, Evan, granddaughter Grace, great-granddaughter Morgan, sisters Yvonne, Kay, Eva, brother Everett Butch and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 9th, 2004 at 3:00 pm at Einans Funeral Home in Richland. At Ivans request there will be no viewing. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens
I worked with Ivan for several years at PRTR. We had a lot of great times together. I also got to watch one of his grandchildren play basketball at Carmichael Jr. High School. I got to visit with him during those games.
Sorry to hear that he passed away. I will miss him.
We have enjoyed knowing Ivan for so many years. He was a true friend. When he got sick we all felt so sad. We always enjoyed talking with him. He was such a supporter on any new project or activity. He loved his kids and family so much and he was always so proud of what they were doing or had done.
We remember his concern over Tonai’s recovery from so many very scary procedures. He was so faithfull and dedicated to the success of his family.
Ivan was the consumate salesman. He could come in a talk us into almost anything. On the other hand we could almost talk him into anything as well. He was the absolute optimist.
We always enjoyed seeing him and Tonia and when he would drop into just to see what was going on. We have missed that so much and will remember him for his enthusiasm and infectious spirit that we loved. We are sure he is in heaven having a great time selling something and making people laugh.
We pray for the family in this loss and offer our most sincere sympathy.
I worked with Ivan for several years at PRTR. We had a lot of great times together. I also got to watch one of his grandchildren play basketball at Carmichael Jr. High School. I got to visit with him during those games.
Sorry to hear that he passed away. I will miss him.
We have enjoyed knowing Ivan for so many years. He was a true friend. When he got sick we all felt so sad. We always enjoyed talking with him. He was such a supporter on any new project or activity. He loved his kids and family so much and he was always so proud of what they were doing or had done.
We remember his concern over Tonai’s recovery from so many very scary procedures. He was so faithfull and dedicated to the success of his family.
Ivan was the consumate salesman. He could come in a talk us into almost anything. On the other hand we could almost talk him into anything as well. He was the absolute optimist.
We always enjoyed seeing him and Tonia and when he would drop into just to see what was going on. We have missed that so much and will remember him for his enthusiasm and infectious spirit that we loved. We are sure he is in heaven having a great time selling something and making people laugh.
We pray for the family in this loss and offer our most sincere sympathy.
Tonai,we were all sorry to hear about Ivan.You and Ivan have been so great to our kids thur the years.Jane and I would like to express our sympathy to you,Brian and Jim.You and Ivan both played an important role for our children.
The Sonderland family would like to express our sympathy to all of the Kirkelies. Ivan was a special man. He loved sports and having a good time…traits I shared with him. Tonai and Ivan always treated me like family and I will always be geatfull for their kindness over the years. They both have always took the good with the bad with such class and dignity. I really admired them both for that. Take care– rs.
Dear Tonai and Family,
I was so sorry to read of Ivan’s death. I have many fond memories of good times with both of you. Blessings and best wishes.
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Ivan Lawrence Kirkelie