Wayne Francis Kirby, was born on April 26, 1918 in Fisher Township, Fremont County , Iowa, the son of Roy and Della (Green) Kirby and entered into rest on Friday, March 24, 2006 at Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah at the age of 87 years, 10 months, 28 days.
Wayne's youth was spent on the family farms near the communities of Essex and Stanton. On February 14, 1942, Wayne was united in marriage to Regina Youngberg at Omaha, Nebraska. Shortly after their marriage, Wayne joined the United States Army serving with the 104th Timberwolf Division during World War II. Wayne served stateside from October 1942 to August 1944, then was sent overseas to the European Theater where he valiantly served until May of 1945. Wayne was honorably discharged in October of 1945. During his military services he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star.
After returning from the service, he farmed in the Essex area. He and Regina were blessed with five children, Eldon, Douglas, Kathleen, Pamela, and Beth. Wayne farmed for many years retiring to Essex in 1978. Always a farmer, Wayne enjoyed helping at the Essex Elevator during their busy seasons. He was a 50 year member of Weatherall-Hadden-Holmes American Legion Post # 333 of Essex, IA., and St. John's Lutheran Church of Essex. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Douglas Gene Kirby and brother, Paul Kirby. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Regina of Essex; children, Eldon Kirby and wife Melinda of Shenandoah, IA, Kathy Resh and husband Duane of Essex, IA, Pam Bremer and husband Jim of Ottumwa, IA, Beth Phipps and husband Roger of Farragut, IA. Grandchildren and great grandchildren, Michelle Kirby and Robbie Keeler and daughter Kaitlen of Shenandoah, Tiffany and Joey Bredberg and children Danielle and Jordan of Shenandoah, IA, Brett and Jessica Kirby and children Baylee and Madison of Shenandoah, IA., Erin Kirby of Denver, CO, Stacy and Brian Maxine and daughter Sophia of Shenandoah, IA, Doug Resh and Elena de Ois of Albertville, MN, Amy and Matt Nook and children Shelby and Jacob of Omaha, NE, Greg and Michele Bremer and children Kayli and Amber of Eldon, IA, Jamie Bremer of Phoenix, AZ., Chris and Lindsay Phipps of Logan, IA; sisters, Muriel Gustafson and husband Merlin of McAllen, TX, Faye Peterson of Red Oak, IA; brother, Orville Kirby of Omaha, NE; a sister-in-law Lydia Kirby of McAllen, TX; nieces, nephews; along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 27, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Ron Nelson. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery at Nyman, Iowa.