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Dick showed his love through quiet dependability, hard work, and a willingness to help whenever he was needed.

Richard “Dick” Kirchner, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully August 29, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by his beloved wife and two daughters.

Dick was born on April 9, 1950, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Elmer and Ruth Kirchner. On October 21, 1972, he married the love of his life, Madonna Waldron, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 54 years. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and unwavering devotion, raising their two daughters, Erica and Erin.

For more than 35 years, he was an over-the-road truck driver. The road became something he knew like the back of his hand, and even until his final days, he could tell just about anyone how to get nearly anywhere in the nation. His knowledge of the roads was remarkable, but those who knew him best will remember that his greatest strength was the quiet steady way he cared for the people he loved.

Those who knew Dick best remember him as a gentle, soft-spoken man with a deeply protective heart. Though he was not a man of many words, his family never doubted how much he loved them. His steady presence brought comfort, security, and strength to those around him. Dick showed his love through quiet dependability, hard work, and a willingness to help whenever he was needed.

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He taught those around him that life does not have to be loud to be meaningful.

He was especially devoted to his beloved in-laws, Stan and Lois Waldron. He was always willing and able to help them with anything at Stan’s Pastry Shop. The bakery became a special part of his life, particularly around Thanksgiving, when family, hard work, and memories came together. After Stan’s passing, he proudly became the bakery’s self-appointed “Vice President”, affectionally earning the nickname, “Dicky Donut”. Even after his stroke, he continued helping at the bakery for several years, finding ways to stay involved in a place and with people he loved.

Dick was also a dedicated NASCAR fan, and no driver ever held a place in his heart quite like Dale Earnhardt. He enjoyed following the races and sharing stories from his years on the road, often bringing smiles and laughter through memories that only Dick could tell.

Of all the roles he cherished, being Grandpa was among his favorites. His grandchildren, Olivia and Nick, looked forward to spending a week each summer with Grandma and Grandpa Kirchner. Those weeks became filled with adventures, mischief, laughter, and some of the orneriest and most cherished stories of their childhood came from those summer weeks with Grandma and Grandpa. Those memories, and the laughter that comes with them, will live on long after he is gone.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Madonna Kirchner. Daughters, Erica (Joseph) Babinski and Erin Weber (Paul Dickman). Granddaughter Olivia (Kason) Mathes; Grandson Nicholas Babinski; and Great-Grandson Hudson Mathes.

Dick also leaves behind a loving extended family, the Waldron family, who were far more than in-laws, with whom he formed especially close and meaningful bonds throughout the years. Those bonus siblings include: Colleen Gredell, Reenie Kull, Elaine Underwood, Teresa Davidson, Mary Costa, and Pat Waldron. As well as his sister Theresa (Frank) Thoeny, and Steve (Marge) Kirchner.

He also leaves his buddy, Kathy Smith, who held a special place in his heart.

More than anything, Dick leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, loyalty, hard work, protection, and unconditional love. He taught those around him that life does not have to be loud to be meaningful. His impact will be felt for generations through the family and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his in-laws, Stan and Lois Waldron.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois, for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Dick and his family during his final days, with special thanks to Kristin Dinwiddie.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 2 to 7 pm, with family receiving friends and family from 5 to 7 pm at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, Iowa. A Christian Vigil Service will be held at 4 pm on Tuesday, September 1, at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at All Saints Parish in Keokuk, with burial to follow at the Catholic section of Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

Memorials in Dick’s honor may be made to All Saints Parish where he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, or St. Vincents Catholic School.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that his journey is complete and that he is now resting in the loving arms of Jesus. While we will miss his steady presence, his quiet wisdom, and the unconditional love he gave so freely, we are forever grateful for the years we shared with him. Every mile he traveled, every hand he reached out to help, every laugh, every story, and every act of kindness became part of the legacy he leaves behind. We will carry him with us always, in our hearts, in our memories, and in the way we love and care for one another. We will hold tightly to the lessons he taught us through his life: to work hard, stay humble, protect the people we love, and never underestimate the power of simply being there for someone.

DeJong-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.