Del Jerome Kirkeby

Delas Jerome Kirkeby passed away at the age of 82 in memory care at Grand Arbor in Alexandria on December 6, 2022.

Del was born in Montevideo, MN on October 25, 1940 to Lloyd and Eunice (Wold) Kirkeby.  He graduated from Clarkfield High School and went on to graduate from Mankato State University.

On September 9^th, 1961 he was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart Catherine Silver.  To this union, they were blessed with three children, Kyle, Kristin, and Kim.  Del and Cathy began their married life in Minneapolis, MN where he sold pharmaceuticals for Twin Cities Wholesale Drug.  He then had the opportunity to move to Alexandria to take a sales job at Alexandria Boat Works.  Del found his true calling when he became a marketing and sales management instructor at Alexandria Technical College until his retirement in 2002.  He took great pleasure in finding employment for all of his graduates through his many employer contacts.

Del enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.   He loved his annual walleye trip to Minaki, Ontario each June.  Lots of laughs and memories were made over the years with family and good friends.  After retirement, he made many snow goose hunting trips to Saskatchewan.  Pheasant hunting was his passion!  As his body slowed, his beloved dog Coot, adjusted and slowed with him pointing many roosters, making for years of enjoyment together.   Del did some golfing too, where he possibly had a mulligan on every hole.  He also spent time in his workshop making trivets, bird and dog houses, Adirondack chairs, and mouse motels.   Del and Cathy escaped many MN winters to bask in the Naples, FL sunshine where they golfed, spent time with friends, and sat by the pool.  He spent many years as a volunteer for Let’s Go Fishing.  Del was a member of First Lutheran Church where he served as church council president, usher, and offering counter.

Del loved his family very much and was very proud of them.  He bestowed upon them the value of hard work and getting an education.  He was especially proud of his seven grandkids and always appreciated seeing them at holidays, watching them in athletic events, or taking them hunting and fishing. 

Del is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cathy; son Kyle and wife Kristine of Ortonville; daughters Kristin and husband Bob of Alexandria; Kim and husband Tim of Verona, WI.  Grandchildren Brody Erdman, Brock Erdman, Benjamin Dronen, Nick Pederson, Sam Pederson, Katie Pederson, and Sara Kirkeby.  Siblings Mike (Maggie) Kirkeby; Nona (Don) Stokke; Diane (Larry Nutter) and many nieces and nephews. 

Del was preceded in death by infant daughter Kari; parents Lloyd and Eunice Kirkeby.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, 3:00 – 5:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue on Monday, December 19, 2022, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.  Memorials preferred to Let's Go Fishing https://alexandria.lgfws.com/