Allen Leroy Kirkeby, 80 passed away in the early morning on February 12, 2011. Allen or Al, as everyone knew him, spent his last 52 years living happily in Helena, MT. Al was born to parents Bernhard and Betsy in Bottineau, North Dakota in 1930, the youngest of seven kids. He graduated from Bottineau High School while being honored as the senior athlete of the year. He enjoyed showcasing his baseball talent along with two of his brothers during a tryout with the New York Yankees. After High School, Al was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Korean War from 1950-1952. Upon discharge from the army, Al enrolled and graduated from the North Dakota School of Forestry, once again displaying his athletic prowess as an honorable mention All-American football player. Al also attended Carroll College and the University of Montana.
On August 21, 1954, Al married Marilyn Pyle of East Helena in a double ring ceremony. Al and Marilyn were married for 32 ½ years and raised a family of four children. Al lost Marilyn in 1987. Boy scout leader, baseball coach, bowling coach, expert fisherman, and marvelous cook were but a few of the many talents Al shared with his family and others. The Kirkeby family enjoyed dozens of summer vacations, camping at Canyon Ferry Lake where Al and the kids would fish for hours, all the while singing silly little songs with dad pulling on the fishing line when the kids weren’t looking. Many false shark sightings were also endured. Camping was a highly anticipated event every year.
An ability to speed read, a great memory, and a nose for numbers led to a successful career in accounting with the State of Montana, Workers Compensation Division. He worked there for 30 years, retiring as a supervisor in the Accounting Department. It was there that Al met Linda Madill. Linda and Al were married on December 21, 1988 in East Helena, MT. They shared a deep love, were always best friends and had recently celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary. He often commented that he had been married nearly all of his life. The job of being a perfect husband was his greatest achievement.
Al was deeply proud of his country and was honored to serve his country both while in the army and as an active member and officer of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was elected as the State Commander of Montana in 1989. He actively served for over 20 years on the Lewis and Clark Veterans Council providing honor guard duties for military funerals.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Morris, Bernhard, George, and Louis Carle; sister, Luella; and first wife, Marilyn. He is survived by his second wife, Linda; daughters, Cindy (Larry) Platts and Betsy Kirkeby of Helena; sons, Robert Kirkeby of Helena and Curtis (Tambra) Kirkeby of Spokane. He has six grandchildren, Valerie (Matt) Reighard, Charity (Rob) Mathews, Kendra Kirkeby, Cassie Kirkeby, Brady Kirkeby, Tory Kirkeby, and six great-grandchildren. He also has three step-sons, eight step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandson.
A memorial service celebrating Al’s life will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, February 17 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will be held at the VFW in East Helena immediately following the graveside service. Memorials are suggested to the Hospice of St. Peter’s 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Brian Duffy says
Rest in Peace Mr. Kirkeby. I’ll always remember the great coach you were while I was a member of your Peewee league Reds team. Thoughts and prayers to your family during this time of sorrow.
Casey Bogard says
Betsy – I was so sorry to learn of the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
charity and rob says
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” Grandpa, I will miss you! Thank you for being such a kind person and loving at all times.
Diane Pedersen says
Linda and family
I was sorry to learn that Al passed away. I worked with him at Montana State Fund for many years and remember him as one of my favorite co-workers. After he retired when he came to pick you up he never failed to say hi and ask me how my Dad was doing. He was a great guy!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
God Bless you all.
Diane Pedersen
Marlene Longfellow says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marty Baumann says
Thinking about you all.
Mary Brydich says
I am sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I remember him fondly from activities with the East Helena VFW especially on parade days. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Natalee Fillinger says
Betsy,
I have such great memories of your dad from when we were kids. I am truly sorry for your loss and your family’s loss.
Pam says
Dear Linda ~
I was so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
What a great couple you both were and I remember Al being such a very kind man with quite a sense of humor while I worked at State Fund.
Take care and may God heal you in time. Cherish the memories.
May God Bless,
Pam Brown
Randy Kaiser and Jennifer Massman says
Kirkeby family: Our condolences on the passing of your father. Although I hadn’t seen Al for many years, I still have fond memories of bowling with him and of hanging out at the Kirkeby home when I was in high school and in college. I will always remember his sense of humor and all of the good-natured ribbing he gave to everyone.
We are so sorry for your loss. God bless all of you.
The Reighard's says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.