Dennis R. Kirchhoff

Dennis R. Kirchhoff

Dennis R. Kirchhoff 81, of Tripoli, died Tuesday evening, May 12, 2015, at NorthCrest Specialty Care in Waterloo.

Funeral Services will be held at Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli on Monday, May 18, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Marilyn Sargent officiating. Friends may call from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17^th, at Rettig Funeral Home in Tripoli and for one hour preceding services on Monday at the church. Memorials may be made in his name to a charity of the donor’s choice. Cards may be sent to Mardell Kirchhoff at Mallard Point, 2603 Orchard Dr. Apartment 337, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613.

Dennis Richard, son of Erwin and Dorothy (Chapin) Kirchhoff, was born March 18, 1934 on the family farm in rural Tripoli. He received his education in the Tripoli Schools, graduating from Tripoli High School in 1952. On September 20, 1953 he was united in marriage with Mardell Meswarb at St. Peter’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Tripoli. Dennis and Mardell made their home on the family farm that Dennis grew up on. He was a dairy farmer for many years, and during the 1980’s and 1990’s he worked also as a field man for AMPI Creamery out of Fredericksburg. He retired in 2000. He is a lifelong member of Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli, where he served in various offices on the church council, including president. He was very instrumental in founding Tripoli’s FFA chapter. He was a 4-H leader, and served on the Board of Directors for Farmer’s Butter and Dairy Co-op. He loved bowling, making birdhouses, and was a comedian in the Variety Show in Tripoli for many years.

In addition to his wife, Mardell of Tripoli, Dennis is survived by four children, Judy (Ruben) Muniz of Waterloo, Mike (Sue) Kirchhoff of Sumner, Kraig (Lisa) Kirchhoff of Independence, and Kristi (Rick) Foelske of Tripoli; ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and one brother, Vernon (Verona) Kirchhoff of Tripoli.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

Dr Marian (Lahmann) Barnes on May 18, 2015 at 5:50 PM said:

I remember Dennis from the time we were both in kindergarten at the country school. I also remember that he was the only kid in our school who had two broken arms in one year. Of course, we both graduated from THS in 1952. My husband, Art, who passed away 2 years ago, and I always enjoyed seeing you, Mardell, and Dennis at our high school class reunions every 5 years. My sincere sympathy to you, Mardell, and your family.

Janet (Chapin) and Cliff Joens on May 17, 2015 at 4:38 PM said:

We were happy to have had a visit with Denny and Mardell in the summer of 2013. When I was growing up, I always spent a week with the Kirchhoff's in the summer time and enjoyed getting ready for the square dances, listening to Denny's funny stories, his imitations of Mortimer Snerd and Al Jolson, rides on the back of his motor scooter and just plain having a good time. We will miss him very much!

Mac and Betty Snyder on May 17, 2015 at 8:38 AM said:

Our sympathy to Mardell and the family. Mac remembers him as always having a joke to tell. He will be missed .

Helen Chapin Pavia & Bette Chapin Hallier on May 16, 2015 at 2:16 PM said:

Dennis always had a smile and a joke. We remember playing with him in the barn hayloft and swinging on a rope tied to the rafters in the barn on his family's farm. Many fond memories. Our deepest sympathy to Mardell and the rest of the family. So glad we were able to visit with hime and Mardell last summer after the Chapin reunion in Tripoli. We will miss him.

Kim Chapin DiGangi and Karen Chapin on May 16, 2015 at 12:35 PM said:

We have very fond memories of Dennis and his farm in Tripoli and the way you always made our Dad (Cousin) Don Chapin laugh. You will be missed. Sincere condolences on your loss.

Lori (Buls) Klocke on May 16, 2015 at 6:40 AM said:

Dennis was a special person. Always had a story to share. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dennis & Lori Klocke

Larry and Joyce Schmidt on May 15, 2015 at 7:28 AM said:

Mardell and family. So sorry to hear of Dennis passing. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a good joke. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers

Pam (Kirchhoff) Condon & family on May 15, 2015 at 6:46 AM said:

Mardell & family,
It was so fun growing up in your farming neighborhood. I have many fond memories of Dennis and all your family. I loved Dennis' humor most of all! You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol Volker-Mutschler on May 15, 2015 at 4:52 AM said:

To the Kirchoff Family.
With deepest Sympathy. Dennis was such a great person. I remember when he was our AMPI fieldman, many years ago. Heaven has gain a wonderful man.

Carma (Blasberg) Kvidera on May 15, 2015 at 4:27 AM said:

Sorry for your loss. I'm keeping your family in my prayers

Denise Kuethe Strudthoff on May 14, 2015 at 4:56 PM said:

My sympathies to all of you. I will always remember how his roles in the music parents variety shows made me laugh . . . what a wonderful way to be remembered!

Rollie & Deb Ott on May 14, 2015 at 4:47 PM said:

Thinking of you all during this time. We really enjoyed him in the musicals. He will be missed by so many. Prayers to you all.

Marv & Kelly Christensen on May 14, 2015 at 3:37 PM said:

Mardell and family thoughts and prayers to all of you. Dennis was always full of laughter, jokes and special charm. He will be missed by many.

Dee Bock Krueger on May 14, 2015 at 12:48 PM said:

Deepest sympathies to you, Mardell, and to each of your family members.
My first real memories of Dennis was when he and his parents provided opportunities and fun for young people in their barn by teaching us square dancing.
You and Dennis entertained us in many skits. Dennis was a humorous person and people enjoyed many laughs with him.

Kim (Petersen) Meyer on May 14, 2015 at 10:23 AM said:

So sorry for your loss. I will always remember his smile and his jokes. ;-) I have fond memories of the Variety Show days as a kid.

marlee ryan on May 14, 2015 at 10:18 AM said:

We all have felt the loss of Dennis presence the last several years, especially those of us that sang in fAITH CHURCH choir.

Those of us that were in the first years of the Music Mothers Variety show enjoyed Dennis's jokes and he and Mardell's skits Loving thoughts are with you, Mardell and all of your family

Pam and Marillyn Chapin on May 14, 2015 at 8:39 AM said:

So sorry for your loss. I think he was one of my Dad's {John Chapin} favorite people. My brothers Mark and Jeff Chapin always enjoyed him at the Chapin family reunions. Our Deepest Sympathy. Pam Chapin

Stacey Snyder on May 14, 2015 at 5:37 AM said:

Mardell, Judy, Mike, Kraig and Kristi~
So sorry to hear of this news. Dennis was a great person to know as a child growing up in Faith Church. I appreciated his smile, laugh and way of making me feel a part of that place. Then as an adult I was able to share the stage with him in the Variety Shows. We miss the twinkle in his eye as he entertained. Treasure the memories as you transition into the days ahead without him.
Blessings~Stacey

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