Orval Harlan Kirkeby - 1920-2001

KIRKEBY, DENNE, KELLY

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 9/23/2011 at 11:52:22

SOURCE: Waukon, Iowa WAUKON STANDARD, March 28, 2001
Contributor: Connie (Kelly) Ellis (KELLY FAMILY RESEARCHER)

Funeral services for Orval Harlan Kirkeby, age 80, of Winona, Minnesota, and former Waukon, Iowa resident, were held Wednesday morning, March 21 at First Congregational Church in Winona, Minnesota. The Rev. Rick King officiated. Following the religious service, members of the American Legion Post No. 9 conducted military burial honors. Graveside services for Harlan Kirkeby were held Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon, Iowa. Rev. Corey Larson, great-nephew, conducted the graveside services.

Orval Harlan Kirkeby, son of Olaf and Hulda Louise (Denne) Kirkeby, was born November 16, 1920 in Waukon, Iowa. Harlan was a graduate of the Waukon High School and Waukon Junior College. On April 24, 1942 Harlan married Geraldine "Gerry" Kelly. Harlan served in World War II as a medical technician, American Division. He saw combat in the South Pacific and later joined the U.S. Occupation Forces in Japan. Harlan received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1945 and attended the University of Iowa where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1949. He and his family settled in Lewiston, Minnesota where he was employed for 33 years by the Lewiston-Altura High School. In the course of his career, Harlan was a science teacher, coach, and athletic director. After earning his Master's Degree from Winona State University, Winona, he also served as a guidance counselor for LAHS before his retirement in 1982.

Harlan was a dedicated professional. Harlan earned many trophies and awards for his coaching expertise, including "Coach of the Year" and "Coaches Hall of Fame." Throughout his adult life, Harlan enjoyed playing golf and baseball. He also dabbled in the arts. In his early years, he was a frequent participant in amateur theatrical productions and despite crippling arthritis in old age, he maintained a life-long passion for painting in watercolors and tempura. His work included landscapes, caricatures, and portraits. Harlan was a member of the Winona First Congregational Church, UCC, where he taught Bible classes and served on various committees. He also belonged to the Masons, the Kiwanis, the Minnesota Education Association and the National Education Association.

Orval Harlan Kirkeby died March 17, 2001 at Sauer Memorial Home in Winona, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kermit H. Kirkeby and Oliver Kirkeby.

Harlan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Geraldine; 3 children, Kenneth Kirkeby of Diamond Bar, California, Linda Kirkeby of Winona, Minnesota, and Ronald (Cathy) Kirkeby in Lewiston, Minnesota; and 2 grandsons, Cory Kirkeby and Kyle Kirkeby, both of Winona, Minnesota.