Charles W. Kirk, OD

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Age 95, of St. Anthony Village died at home on August 5, 2020.

Dr. Kirk was a retired Optometrist and is survived by son, Douglas (Cindy), daughter, Susan, grandchildren Andrew & Michael Kirk and Jennifer & Katrina Vorlicky. Preceded in death by loving wife of 68 years, Arleen (nee Gerhardson), brothers Donald, Robert & Richard, his father Charles W. Kirk Sr., and his mother Margaret (nee Collins).

Charles was a long-time member of Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Englewood Lodge AF&AM in Chicago, Illinois, NE Kiwanis Club and Falldin American Legion Post 555 and the Minnesota Optometric Association. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict. He left the service with the rank of captain in USAF Reserves. During his over forty years of service to Scouting, he was recognized with the Silver Beaver and the Lutheran Lamb Awards. Charles Kirk was born in Hammond, Indiana, moved to Chicago, IL at age 5. He attended Elementary and High School in Chicago, graduating in 1942. Enrolled one semester at Illinois Institute of Technology and enlisted in the Army Air Corp at age 18. Became an aerial navigator and served three and one-half years during WWII before being discharged to the Army Air Corp Reserve.

Starting in 1946, he attended the Illinois College of Optometry. After graduation, he opened an optometry practice in Benson, Minnesota. He met Arleen Gerhardson, a University of Minnesota extension agent, and married her in April 1951. Shortly thereafter, he was called back to active duty in the U. S. Air Force for the Korean conflict. Charles served as optometry officer at Bolling Field, Washington, DC for two years. He returned to Minnesota and set up a practice in St. Anthony Village in 1953 where he practiced optometry for 41 years. He also served on St. Anthony School board for 10 years.

Charles had many interests and hobbies which included photography, woodcarving, gardening, camping, and playing his banjo with both the Zuhrah Strings and with the Salem String Band. In later years, he and some friends would also play for the enjoyment of residents at several local nursing homes.

A memorial service will be held at Washburn-McReavy Northeast Chapel, 2901 Johnson St. NE, Mpls. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 2:30PM, with visitation starting one hour prior. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on August 13, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to NE Kiwanis Club Foundation or donor choice.

Washburn-McReavy.com Northeast Chapel 612-781-6828

Published on August 9, 2020