Leader Publications

Maynard Dale Kirk, 91, of Cook Street Niles, died at 9:50 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles following a brief illness.

Maynard was born Oct. 22, 1918 in Niles to Vernon and Elnora (Kizer) Kirk. He was a lifetime resident of Niles. He retired in 1978 after 30 years of service from National Standard Co. in Niles.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served as a medic in the United States Army. He earned a Purple Heart on Omaha Beach. He was an active member of the Veteran’s Association in Battle Creek, Mich.

He was a member of Pokagon United Methodist Church in Niles, where he was a former chairman of the board. He was a union steward and past president of U.A.W. Local 3056. He was also a former owner and operator of a gas station in Niles and superintendent for Allen School in Howard Township. He enjoyed farming and outings to Fernwood Botanic Garden and Nature Center in Niles.
On Jan. 7, 1942 in Niles, he married Arlene May Van Lue, who preceded him in death May 12, 2003.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Ken) Martin, of Niles, Judy (Gary) Knoll, of Canton, Mich., and Jeanette Duncan, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and grandchildren, Joshua Sprinceana, Raymond and Anthony Knoll.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother.

The funeral service for Maynard Dale “Bill” Kirk will be Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. Daniel D. Miller of First Missionary Church officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles, and will conclude with full military honors by American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan.

The family will receive relatives from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to Pokagon United Methodist Church or the Veteran’s Home in Battle Creek, Mich.