Thomas "T.K." Kirwan

Thomas “T.K.” John Kirwan, 83, of Machesney Park passed away after a short battle with esophageal cancer on Saturday, July 4, 2020, in his home, surrounded by his family. Born January 6, 1937, in Darlington, WI, the son of Edmund Ryan and Rose (Kindle) Kirwan. Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Married Joan Stevens on February 1, 1959, in Dubuque, IA. Retired from Rockford Ornamental Iron after many years of employment. Lifelong member of Elk Club #765 in DeKalb. Social member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed playing cards, especially Texas Hold’em, Cribbage and Euchre. Tom loved trap shooting, hunting and fishing. Avid football fan, college or professional. T.K. never owned a computer, he always said you have to be smarter than the “shit” you are working with. He had a very analytical mind. Tom was great with math and numbers, teaching his son Algebra in 3rd and 4th grade. He also taught his children how to put food on the table even when times were tough. Survivors include his wife, Joan; son, Patrick Kirwan; daughter, Anita Burkholder; grandchildren, Jonna Marie Kirwan, Sydney Rose Kirwan and Kelsey Lee-Marie Burkholder; great-grandchild, Neleh Jane Marie Kirwan; additional family, Shari Kirwan and Bill Burkholder; many close loving friends and friends made frequenting local businesses throughout the years. Predeceased by his parents; brothers, Edmund Robert Kirwan and Patrick Jude Kirwan; mother- and father-in-law, Helen and Leo Willi. Special thanks to Transitions Hospice, their angels on the ground, Heather and her team, Traci, Marcia, Aaron, Maricruz and Joe.

Walk through visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park. Face coverings and social distancing required. Celebration of life will be at a later date. Cremation rites accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Transitions Hospice.