August 18, 1926 - January 15, 2021
Kirk Daniel Crowell, 94, of Loveland, peacefully passed on to heaven on January 15, 2021, at his Loveland home, surrounded by loved ones.
A private family service will be held this week and a community service will follow this summer.
Kirk was born on August 18, 1926, to Blanche F. (Bivens) and James W. Crowell, on their farm south of Culbertson, Nebraska, and overcame several severe illnesses as a child.
While being required to work on the family farm, Kirk also attended country school through eighth grade, arriving many days on horseback. He then worked the family farm until being drafted into the United States Army at age 18 during the Second World War.
During active duty he participated in the recapture, and securing of Corregidor Island in the Philippines from Japanese forces who were defending the Japanese garrison there on the island fortress. This victory successfully helped to open its harbor to allied shipping. At the end of WWII, he served in the Army occupation of Korea, until he was honorably discharged and allowed to return to the family farm.
In his early twenties, afflicted by polio, Kirk became paralyzed on half of his body. He was placed in an iron lung and doctors eventually gave up all hope for him. Then a life-changing miracle occurred one night, when he was seen walking through the halls of the hospital, out of the iron lung! When asked by alarmed hospital staff why and how he had gotten up, Kirk shared the story how he had seen a picture of Jesus saying, “come to Me.” Being fully determined to regain the full use of his legs and body, Kirk headed back to the farm. In God’s strength, Kirk went on to live a long and active life, overcoming many more health challenges throughout his lifetime.
Kirk was a deeply caring, loving man who poured his heart and strength into his family – doing all that he could for them. Foremost, he loved his wife Virginia dearly. Married April 12, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Culbertson, Nebraska, their marriage of 67 years was a testament to their love. Kirk, a romantic, enjoyed writing his wife many cards over the years, and hand-crafting other loving gifts.
After leaving the family farm and various other jobs, Kirk apprenticed in masonry. His life’s work became that of a masonry subcontractor in Nebraska, and later, in Northern Colorado. He instilled his honesty and work ethic into both of his sons, Gregory and Timothy, which carried through to employees, contractors and people who knew him. Whatever Kirk did, he did well. Doing masonry work with his sons, they bricked thousands of homes in Northern Colorado. Kirk loved his work and found great fulfillment within it.
Kirk enjoyed rising early and did not like sitting too long, which was part of the lifestyle he had learned from his days on the farm. Using his wit, he left a lasting impression. He did not like being idle, calling it “lazy-itis!”
Chandra, Kirk’s only daughter, was a wonderful surprise -- born after his two boys were already teenagers. Kirk loved Chandra deeply, always calling her “Bugs.” He cherished, protected and spoiled her greatly – and raising his daughter brought Kirk tremendous pride and joy.
Kirk also loved all six of his grandchildren. They were just like the sweet treats in his life, that they all enjoyed together -- ice cream, root beer, cola, chocolate, and many of Virginia’s fridge desserts and homemade pies. And oh, how he greatly enjoyed them as babies -- holding and singing to them his own, memorable lullaby. He incorporated his humor and funny personality into his unforgettable gifts to his grandchildren – and often brought comfort by passing time with them on the porch swing. He would often show up uninvited to sweep his grandchildren off for a day of fun in his red and white Chevy pickup. Whether for a day of fishing, playing at the park and duck pond, or a visit to McDonald’s, Kirk would spend countless hours with his grandkids -- enjoying teaching them important life lessons.
Some of Kirk’s favorite activities included coloring, playing dominos, feeding the birds and squirrels, pursuing hobbies or projects at home. He also enjoyed many memorable harvests of apples, apricots, nectarines and peaches from his backyard, and even grew several of the fruit trees from seeds. Kirk had a special touch for helping things flourish, and enjoyed growing numerous types of flowers and vegetables in his yard. Using his stone craft, he also shaped his yard artfully with red rock paths, and expanding fish ponds with waterfalls.
Kirk was a tender-hearted and generous man who lived foundational truths and values. He bore witness too many healing miracles of God, and lived to see many good days. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. On the journey of a lifetime, he’s now with his Savior, Jesus Christ, and those who arrived before him by Jesus’ grace.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Geier) Crowell; their children, Gregory Crowell (and wife, Michele), Timothy Crowell (and wife, Michelle), and Chandra Krieger (and husband, Jeff); and grandchildren, Theodore Crowell (and wife, Kathryn), Josanna Crowell, Bryce Crowell, Nicholas Crowell, Kendall Krieger and Jacie Krieger. He will be remembered fondly by numerous extended family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Kirk was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, brother Daryl Crowell, and sisters Gail Sitzman, and Nancy West.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts in honor of Kirk can be sent to the family in care of
Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home, 1102 N. Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80537.
