On Wednesday the 24th of October 2012 we said our final goodbye to our daughter, wife, sister, and friend, Stephanie Pauline (Kirkland) Van Dyke after a lifelong battle with Chronic Variable Immune Deficiency.
Stephanie was born July 18th 1984 in Helena, MT to Mark Aubrey and Janet (Travis) Kirkland. Born a creek baby, she loved spending as much time as possible playing in the mountains with her family; wading in creeks, climbing on rocks, and hunting for berries and mushrooms with her grandma. In high school she met the perfect love of her life, Nick Van Dyke, who shared her love of the mountains. They loved off-roading, fishing, camping, and shooting together.
Stephanie strove to be normal in the face of her illness. She spent all of high school proudly being a trainer for the Helena High Wrestling team and participating in Upward Bound. She graduated with her friends in the spring of 2002. After high school she attended HCT, worked at Balloon Boutique, Albertsons, and the Department of Commerce until she married Nick on November 6, 2008. She spent the last several years focusing on her family, friends, and health. Her favorite past times included annoyingly pinching Nick with her monkey toes, going to chick flicks with her sissy, watching soap operas with her mom, starting quilts, filling her nephew Trevon up with sugar and returning him to his mom, painting her nails, and collecting spoons.
Stephanie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Blanche Travis, grandfather, Robert Kirkland, uncles Bobby Travis, Joseph Keller, and Paul Kirkland, and cousin Joseph Keller.
Stephanie is survived by her loving husband Nicholas Van Dyke, her parents Mark Aubrey and Janet (Travis) Kirkland, brother Travis Kirkland, sister Maren Kirkland, father-in-law Richard Van Dyke, mother-in-law Julie Murray of Texas, brother-in-law Dick Van Dyke, nephew TrevonVan Dyke, sister-in-law Danielle Van Dyke, grandparents Robert and Linda Travis of Wisconsin, grandmother Barbara Kirkland, aunts and uncles Maren Keener, Chris (Linda), Stuart (Linda), and Robert (Cookie) Kirkland, Les Cope, Barbara Keller of South Dakota, Jackie (Bob) Hanson of South Dakota, Tom (Doreen) Travis of Stevensville, Steve Travis of Wisconsin, Lisa (Derrick) Russell of Illinois, lifelong friend Megan Phillips of Idaho, special friends Brandy Bickhart, Chris Lamping, and Mykell Lemm; and cousins and friends too numerous to name.
The Family would like to extend a special loving thanks to Dr. Weiner and the outstanding staff at the cancer treatment center, the oncology floor, and all those employees who loved and cared for her throughout her stays.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Sunday, October 28, 2012 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave., with inurnment to follow the service in the columbarium wall at the church. A reception will be held at the church after the inurnment. Memorials in Stephanie’s name are suggested to the St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601, the St. Peter’s Cathedral or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Sunday October 28, 2012
St Peter's Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Sunday October 28, 2012
Columbarium wall at St. Peter's Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Inurnment
Sunday October 28, 2012
St. Peter's Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Sunday October 28, 2012
St Peter's Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Sunday October 28, 2012
Columbarium wall at St. Peter's Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Inurnment
Sunday October 28, 2012
St. Peter's Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave
Helena, MT 59601
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Rachel Glinsmann says
Steph, you will be missed so much, by so many people. I am so lucky to have got the chance to know you and call you a friend. You are such an amazing person inside and out. Your loving and caring nature touched so many people around you. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
I will always remember last Halloween, how much fun that way, and the first time you met Karson, he looked up at you and gave you the biggest smile.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” By Leo Buscaglia
With all of my love,
Rachel Glinsmann
Tammy Steckler says
Dearest Maren and family,
The deepest of sympathies are sent to you at this time. May God hold you close and bless you.
Tammy
Chuck Eatinger says
Dear Maren and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Stephanie. I know it is hard to lose someone so close to you, especially a young family member. I lost my Son Anthony almost a year ago at the same age. Always know that God is with you during your time of sorrow, and with time, he will heal everything. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lord for guidance during this time. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you during your time of need. You have my deepest sympathy.
God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Chuck
Brandy Bickhart says
You are my best friend Steph! You were always there for me no matter what. I dont think I will ever find a friend like you again. My kids love you to pieces. Please watch over them from above!! This hurts so bad. I am very greatful I got to say goodbye. I love you so so much and miss you already!!!!!!!!!!!
Celestine Duncan says
Dear Janet and Family,
I’m sorry I won’t be with you tomorrow for Stephanie’s memorial but I’m in WI. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know Stephanie was loved dearly by everyone and will be greatly missed by her friends and family.
You have my deepest sympathy,
Celestine
Carol Barnaby says
Stephanie you will be missed by all of us. I appreciate you always being there for Brandy even when you were suffering. The fact u called me grandma was a blessing.. love u n Nick very much.
Sandra Duran says
Dear Janet and family. My deepest condolences to you and Stephanie’s family and friends. Her life was such a blessing to all of you. Strong and beautiful is how I will remember her.
Susan (Salverson) Jaeger says
Vicky, I didn’t get to know your daughter, but if she was anything like you she had to be awesome! So sorry for your loss-my thoughts are with you and your family.
Susan (Salverson) Jaeger
Murry says
I am so sorry to hear of lost especially at such an young age. When we experience death it can cause us to wonder does God care? Even though we may not know each other I have also experience the pain that death can bring. Something that has truly brought me comfort is a scripture from the bible at Revelation 21:4..”and he will wipe out every tear from their ears, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” We all look forward to a time when those words will come true. But I hope this has brought you comfort like it has for me.
My deepest sympathy,
Murry
Jack Norris says
You were very special to Nick and his family.