Carl A. “Cracker” Kircher, 88, of West Bend, entered eternal life on Monday, July 25, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Carl was born on December 16, 1927, in West Bend, son of the late Clarence and Norma (nee Schlegel) Kircher. Carl graduated from West Bend High School with the class of 1945. In 1946 he enlisted in the United States Navy and earned Pharmacist Mate 3rd class before being honorably discharged in 1948.
Upon his return home Carl enrolled in UW Madison and earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. He was the first person with a four year pharmacy degree to practice in West Bend. On October 23, 1954, he was united in marriage to Noreen Hoffman at St. Clement’s Catholic Church in Lancaster, WI.
Carl enjoyed golfing, bowling, baseball, card games and riding his Vespa scooter. He was an avid Wisconsin Badger and Packer fan. Carl was known for always trying to improve things, telling jokes and having a great sense of humor. Carl’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially the week-long family vacations in Northern Wisconsin every year.
Carl was a member of the West Bend Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, West Bend American Legion for over 50 years and a longtime member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.
Those Carl leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 61 years, Noreen; five daughters, Claire (Del Henning) Kircher of Madison, Jane (Michael) Crass of Cedarburg, Patty (Phil) Johnson of Neosho, MO, Mary Ellen (Pete) Drumm of Madison and Kay (Mike) Chevalier of West Bend; 11 grandchildren, Daniel (Amye) Johnson, Mark Johnson, Rachel (Ilie) Cozmatchi, Emily (Zach) Jensen, Anna (fiancé Owen) Crass, Madeline (Steve) Houdek, Andrew Chevalier, Joseph Chevalier, Hallie Henning, Travis Drumm and Ryan Drumm; three great-grandchildren, Allye and Bailye Johnson and Addison Jensen, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents Carl was preceded in death by a son, Andrew Kircher and a brother, George (Claudine) Kircher.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Carl will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at St. Frances Cabrini Church 1025 S. 7th Ave. in West Bend. Fr. Nathan Reesman will officiate and burial will follow the next day.
The Kircher family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church of West Bend or Boltonville Volunteer Fire Department are appreciated.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home is assisting the family. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
The Kircher family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Cedar Hospice and Dr. Robert Gibson for their loving care of Carl.