Berdine Kirkey

Berdine Kirkey, 86, of Graceville, passed away Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 at her home.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private family funeral service was held on November 28, 2020, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville.

Burial will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at noon, at Consolidated Cemetery, Graceville.  Berdine’s graveside service will follow the 11:00 a.m. Mass for Margaret Middleton at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Father Brian Oestreich will officiate.  All friends and relatives are invited to attend. A luncheon will follow the graveside service for Margaret Middleton in Beardsley.

Berdine Hulda (Heuer) Kirkey was born on July 28th, 1934, in Graceville, MN.  She was the daughter of Edward G. and Hulda (Altoff) Heuer.  Berdine grew up with her parents and two brothers on a farm in the Johnson, MN area.

She was united in marriage with Charles “Clem” Kirkey on June 27th, 1953 at St. Barnabus Catholic Church in Barry, MN.  They built their life together in the Barry, MN area and were blessed with three children: Steven, Robert and Patricia.

Berdine devoted her life to her marriage and her three children that God had blessed them with.  She helped manage their farm just south of Barry and later worked as a book keeper alongside Clem at the Barry elevator.  Berdine’s caring heart led her to a CNA position at Grace Home in Graceville, MN where she spent many years caring for the residents there.  She retired from Grace Home to stay home and care for her husband until his passing on May 1st, 2013.  Berdine continued to reside in Graceville.

When Berdine was not caring for others she was found baking for others.  Whether it was her cookies, bars or delicious donuts, she always had a plate to share.  She leaves behind many cherished recipes.  Berdine also loved to golf and was proud of her “hole in one”.   She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.  Berdine was a faithful member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  She had a strong faith in God and always put others before herself.  She also treasured her time she was able to spend with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Steve (Sandy) Kirkey of Brookings, SD; Rob Kirkey and Pam of Austin, TX; and Patty Kirkey of Ortonville, MN; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Doris Heuer of Minneapolis, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Edward and Hulda; her husband, Clem; and two brothers: Edward Heuer, and Roger (and wife, Shirley) Heuer; and niece, Sharon Steinbeck

Deepest Gratitude

The family of Berdine Kirkey wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of sympathy, prayers and acts of kindness extended to them during this time of loss.

The Kirkey Family