Kirk LaVerne McDonald, 82, formerly of Fargo and Detroit Lakes, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at the MN State Veteran’s Home in Fergus Falls, following a long struggle with numerous health complications.
Kirk was born on November 4, 1934, to Howard and Vivian (Payne) McDonald in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Gardner High School in Gardner, ND and attended business school after graduation. He enlisted in the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Korean War. He loved to share stories and memories of his time as a cook in the Army.
After his service, Kirk met and married Lois Williams. They had two children, Kirk II and Laurie. Kirk’s second marriage was to Shirley Eardmann and together they had two children, David and Stephanie. Kirk was a true salesman. He worked for the Ford Implement dealership until 1980, when he was then employed in Tower City for Alander’s Farm Equipment. In 1984, a big decision was made to move to Pelican Rapids. For a time, he sold a road patching machine and traveled around the United States. In 1987, he and Shirley took over ownership of the Miracle Water softener store in Detroit Lakes. Later renaming it to Kleer Quality water, they ran this business together until Shirley’s death in 2000. Kirk later semi-retired south of Detroit Lakes to run a campground he and Shirley purchased in 1997. He lived in the house he and Shirley bought until September 2015, when serious health issues arose and he moved to back to Fargo. In April of 2016, he made the decision to move to the MN State Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, where he resided until the time of his death.
His life was one of purpose for God and family. Kirk was always quick with a great story from his past or a funny joke. He made many friends over the years and was always ready to sit down and have a cup of coffee and strike up a conversation. Kirk always said he lived a good life and was blessed with wonderful family and that God had blessed him with amazing opportunities.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Howard; his mother, Vivian; his step-father, Ole; his younger brother, Hal; his first wife, Lois; his second wife, Shirley; and a daughter, Laurie.
Kirk leaves behind his sons, Kirk (Tracy) McDonald II of Fergus Falls and David McDonald of Moorhead; his daughter, Stephanie McDonald of Moorhead; his step-sons, Steve Anderson of California and Leslie Anderson of Dilworth; step-daughters, Cheryl and Jeanie Anderson of California; his grandchildren, Jeremy, Sean, Keelie, Brian, Seth, Harrison, and Nadia; a great-grandson, Jordan; his step-grandchildren, Michael, Tiffany and Charlie; and his brothers, Don (Carol) McDonald of Fargo, ND, and Robert McDonald of Arizona.
Memorial Service: 1:00 PM on Friday, March 3, 2017, at The Seventh Day Adventist Church in Fargo, ND, located at 5718 36th Street South.
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN