Francis D. Kirkpatrick

Francis Kirkpatrick, 92, passed away January 15, 2011, at the Norwalk Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Francis was born March 14, 1918, in Des Moines to William and Mary Kirkpatrick. He served in the U.S Navy during WWII, where he received a Purple Heart. Francis was a self-made man. He started his career earning $8 a week and worked his way up to purchasing director for several major hospitals. He was involved on the local, state, and national levels in various capacities with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and was an active member of Wakonda Christian Church. Music and poetry were very important parts of his life. Francis started singing in the church choir at the age of 14. He continued singing, writing music and poetry until the age of 90.

Francis is survived by his special friend, Delores VanDike; daughters, Sharon (Jim) Patch and Marilyn (Brett) Champlin; son, Dennis (Teresa Ericson) Kirkpatrick; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 20, 2011, at Wakonda Christian Church, 3938 Fleur Drive, followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday prior to the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wakonda Christian Church or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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