TAYLORSVILLE, INDIANA
Kirk Daniel Kleinhenz lived a life full of the simple pleasures of life. He was known for his unique sense of humor, his love of family and tradition, his deep faith and belief, and his unassuming approach to life. He was slow to anger, humble and a man of modest needs. Kirk passed away on September 9, 2023, after a long-fought battle with liver cancer.
Kirk was born on January 9, 1962 to Charles and Marie Kleinhenz. He was their 4th child. The family had recently moved to Taylorsville, Indiana from Chicago, Illinois, and Kirk ended up spending his entire life in the Columbus area. He attended Taylorsville Elementary, Northside Middle School, and Columbus North High School, graduating in 1980. During his youth, he worked with his brothers and sister on the family farm where they grew sweet corn and other vegetables, and sold them to local residents. Later, that endeavor would turn into a family business that Kirk would always be a part of.
Kirk was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served as a full-time missionary right after his high school graduation. He was called to serve in the California Los Angeles Mission. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and always tried to live the things he believed.
After returning from his mission, Kirk became reacquainted with Jana Lykins, and they fell in love and married on February 15, 1986 in the Chicago Illinois Temple. They were blessed with four children: Sara, Drew, Hana and Haley. They built a house near Kirk’s parents, with his talent for woodworking and construction going into every detail of their home. He was happiest when he was working in his wood shop, where he would mill and dry lumber, often with trees from his property. He loved designing and building furniture, and specialized in dressers, coffee tables, desks, bookcases and armoires. This was his way to unwind and feel at peace.
Kirk joined the family business, 7K Farms, in 1982. He ended up becoming a partner/owner with his older brother Jim. They were a perfect mix of talent, each uniquely suited with their own skill-set. He was a salesman, a fix-it man, and in charge of the fleet. He was a hard worker who brought an easy-going sense of humor to the work day. He loved his co-workers, many of whom have been there for decades.
Kirk also enjoyed relaxing, and had memorable trips to Maui, Florida and South Carolina. He never missed the annual “Man Trip”, which is an over-night get together with all the boys in the large extended family. He loved the tradition and bonding that occurred. Kirk was an excellent bowler, and bowled on several leagues, winning 4 diamond rings for bowling perfect games! He also loved golfing and gardening.
Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marie Kleinhenz. He is survived by his wife Jana; his daughter Sara Hartle (Cory); his son Drew; and daughters Hana and Haley; siblings James (Tracy); Diane Olmstead (Jeffrey); Lawrence (Annette); Brice; Grant (Paisley); and Dean (Jen).
Arrangements have been made for a public visitation on Thursday, September 14 from 4-8 pm at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held Friday, September 15 at 12pm, with visitation from 11am-12pm. It will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4850 W Goeller Blvd. Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana, through the funeral home.
You are invited to view his memorial video, light a virtual candle of remembrance and send a message of condolence to the Kleinhenz family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com
