Kevin J. Kirk

Kevin “Kever” Kirk of Freeport, IL died on September 26, 2025 from a heart attack at the age of 59. Kevin grew up in Freeport with his father, Vernon “Bullet” Kirk, his mother, Ramona Kirk, and his brother, Greg Kirk. He and his family enjoyed recalling their West Virginia roots, where he spent a lot of his childhood at the family’s holler. His father opened Bullets bar which quickly became a place where Kevin listened to his father’s legendary fastpitch stories. While playing many years of softball himself, Kevin enjoyed time spent on the field and traveling to numerous softball tournaments with his teammates. There were many fun memories made especially during the softball bus trips to Georgia.

Kevin worked at Kelly-Springfield (now Titan Tire) where he made lifelong friends as a tire builder. He had a passion for making sure his fellow workers were treated fairly, as he was heavily involved in his local union (USW Local 745). He was honored to be the Union President where he spent countless hours attending meetings and bargaining for a fair contract.

Kevin was often described as a lovable and soft spoken teddy bear who was approachable to nearly anyone that came in contact with him. He recalled everyone's name, whether it was their given name at-birth or the ridiculously crude nickname he and his companions, colleagues, and family members shared to show affection.

Many knew Kevin as the strongman who frequently worked out in his home gym off of Maize Road just outside of Freeport where he lived until he met his wife Jo (Lamm) Kirk. As time went on, Kevin’s strength lifting weights changed to lifting up his step-children, nephews, and grandchildren.

Due to various health complications later in life that kept him from seeing the people he loved or doing what he enjoyed, Kevin and Jo found countless ways to find happiness together. They spent many hours driving to The Farm in the U.P. and not-so-near restaurants, ice cream and cheese shops, casinos, auctions, and youth sporting events to be with family and friends. At nearly every location, Kevin and Jo knew someone there, usually striking up a conversation filled with recollections of the past and hopeful future endeavors.

Although his life came to an end suddenly, we all know that he is living peacefully in heaven with his late father, mother, brother, and his nephew by his side. He will be creating new friendships everywhere he goes on the new “Bullets” bus he’s driving to carry on his life of laughter, love, and travel.

He will be missed by the many people he touched…We Love You Kever.

Kevin is survived by his wife Jo, nephew Eric Kirk of Freeport, IL, step-children, Rob (Sami) Meinert of Geneva, IL, Jessica Meinert of Woodridge, IL, Amber (Richard) Peterson of Machesney Park, IL, great nephew, Landon Kirk, grandchildren Luca Meinert, Nolan Meinert, and Brynlee Rhymer, sister-in-law, Jan Lamm, and brothers-in-law, Jeff (Kathy) Lamm and Jay (Angie) Lamm. His aunts Alice (Jim) Trusley and Diane (Gail) Walker.

Preceded in death by his father, Vernon Kirk, mother, Ramona Kirk, brother, Greg Kirk, nephew, Todd Kirk, aunt and uncle, Bill and Mary Cornell.

Please join us in celebrating an amazing life lived on Tuesday, October 7th from 3pm - 7pm at King’s Bar and Grill in Freeport, IL. Burial will be at Kirk’s Cemetery in Ashford, West Virginia. A memorial has been established for the National Kidney Foundation and American Diabetes Association.