Alan Michael Kirchgessner

Alan Michael Kirchgessner

July 31, 1943 – February 16, 2024

Alan Michael Kirchgessner was born to Ida (Diebert) and Michael Kirchgesner on July 31, 1943, in Macklin, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the farm in the Reward area and attended school at Wollerman and Denzil.

As a boy, Dad helped out on the family farm. Harvest was his favourite time of year. He was involved in 4-H and spent many hours with the farm horses, especially ‘Roger’. He also played ball, curled, and drove school bus.

Shortly after graduating high school, Dad became a proud member of the RCMP. While a medical issue kept him from pursuing this career path, later in life he re-joined the RCMP as an auxiliary member, serving for several years.

Dad met the love of his life, Lana Lindberg, on a blind date and they married in 1970. Soon after, Dad’s job with the Bank of Nova Scotia took them to Bermuda for four years, where Scott was born. This was followed by a brief period of time in Regina, where Lisa was born, and then Saskatoon where Dad was promoted to branch manager. Chris and Dale were born soon after.

After leaving the bank, Dad farmed part-time and worked in various positions in the farming financial industry. He spent the remainder of his working life, almost 30 years, with Great West Life. He genuinely enjoyed meeting and visiting with his clients. He also volunteered with the Saskatoon Police Service, the Saskatchewan Party, and was a member of the Highway Traffic Board. While diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2019, Dad’s spirit and love of life helped him focus on the positive and he continued to work and live an active lifestyle until recently.

Family was especially important to Dad. Growing up, we spent a lot of time visiting with Dad’s siblings and our cousins. Gatherings always included sing-alongs with Dad and his brother Ernie playing the guitar.

Dad was both a father and a good friend to each of us, always willing to lend a hand, provide advice, or just sit and visit. He never missed an opportunity to go hunting with his boys, or tinker with a car in the garage. He and Mom travelled to numerous car shows over the years, where he showed his prized 1970 Roadrunner. One of their last trips was to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona. He also loved watching curling on TV.

Dad adored all ten of his grandchildren, and his one great-grandchild. Time together with Papa included watching rodeo, playing crokinole, trips to the park, and regular sleepovers. Dad’s sweet tooth meant trips for ice cream were always part of the plan.

Dad spent his final year living at Samaritan Place where he made new memories with his family and the staff. He passed peacefully at Royal University Hospital (RUH) with family surrounding him.

Dad will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 54 years Lana, his children and grandchildren including: Scott (Leanne Nyirfa), Ashleigh, Marty and Lucy, Noah, and Payton; Lisa (Carey Friesen), Jonah and Daria, and Hayley; Chris (Katherine Churchman), Ava and Lex; and Dale (Kari), Everett, Zayn, and Ronnie.  He also leaves behind his brothers Ernie and Daniel, his sister Agnes, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ida and Michael, sisters Evelyn and Norma, and siblings Alice and Richard in infancy.

A Celebration of life will take place Friday, February 23, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 107 McWillie Avenue, Saskatoon. A luncheon will follow. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE FOR THE LATE ALAN KIRCHGESSNER
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above.)

The family wishes to thank Dr. Rod Schubert for the care he provided Dad over the years. Thank you to the staff at Samaritan Place, the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Department at RUH, and Medavie Health Services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dad’s name to the Cardiac Care Unit at RUH.

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.