I, Joseph Campbell Kirk, was born to James Campbell (J.C.) and Betty (Patton) Kirk on October 13, 1947, in Hamburg, Iowa. We lived in little farm tenant houses in the Hamburg and Rock Port areas when I was growing up, and somehow our little house always held lots of aunts and uncles and cousins on Sundays. I have the fondest memories of good food, clod fights, stuffing someone in a tire and rolling them down the hill and so much laughter during those years.

I was the oldest of four siblings: Gene, Dinky (Diane), and Jimmy. I’ve been told we all inherited Mom’s easy-going nature and my portion has a bit of kick to it.

In 1966 I was offered employment with the United States Government, and since I didn’t have anything more pressing to do, I accepted the job. (Remember the Draft??) Thus started a job that would have a long term impact on the rest of my life. I was in the Army for three years and served in the 361st Aviation Company in Viet Nam for 14 months. I came home to USA soil in June of 1969 to a country that was divided in its support of soldiers that served in a conflict/war. Upon landing stateside, we were given a haircut, a new uniform, and sent right back to civilian life. I wasn’t home very long until Army buddies from around the country started calling . . . we were all disoriented, didn’t fit in where we were anymore, and missing the camaraderie we once shared. Watson, Missouri, was in the middle of the country, and we all decided to meet and congregate here. We were a motley crew . . . literally . . . with a bond unlike any other we had experienced. We talked, partied, talked, partied, worked so we could afford to party some more, and tried to make sense of our world. Our average age was about 21 years old. After a time, many decided to get on with their lives and returned to their own home towns. Some stayed and made Hamburg their home for many more years. As of this writing, I am the only one that is still living here. It was a rough and wild summer and was typical of what was happening around the country in 1969.

I took a job working construction when they were building Interstate 29 that summer. When my buddies started leaving, I took a job with Moody Construction and moved to North Carolina to work. I liked moving somewhere and that is where I met my wife, Wanda. We married and had two children: Benny Joe (B.J.) and Jeri Jo. I moved my family back to Hamburg and eventually farmed for 25 years.

After that I spent another 15 or so years selling every color of farm machinery they made.

One of the passions of my life has been fishing. As a child I often went with cousins, neighbors and family. As an adult, it was the source of great pleasure as it seemed to have everything I enjoyed in one package: friends, tall tales, liquid refreshment, and much laughter. I tried commercial fishing, winter fishing, early morning trips, you name it, I did it. I occasionally hear stories about those times that make me question my judgment during some of those trips, but it still has great memories for me.

I’m well known for making a mean cup of coffee and in my younger years it was nothing to plug in a pot of coffee at 10:00 p.m. and drink it! Those days have also passed. I also was pretty passionate about mushroom hunting, and I usually was pretty lucky in always finding a mess. My hobbies were fishing, hunting, and reading . . . and in that order! I still like visiting with anyone, especially friends, and telling a story or two. I am pretty knowledgeable about trees and still love being outdoors.

I am a proud veteran. I love my country and readily admit that the flag I fought under still brings tears to my eyes when I see it waving in the wind. I am a member of the local American Legion, and I consider it a privilege to be part of the Legion Color Guard at funerals and parades. I also volunteer on a country cemetery board . . . which could be a source of much ribbing at my age, but I want it nice if I’m going there.

I share my life with my high school sweetheart, Lana Brandt, and we were finally married a few years ago. We like living in Hamburg and we are busy with great-grandchildren and several church and civic organizations. I don’t fish like I used to, but I always make plans to go. I still get excited about the smell of dirt in the spring and am nostalgic about running a dozer. I feel very fortunate about the last 60 years.

I’d like to add that I’ve missed my friend Gary Sebek so many times during my life. His death occurred while I was in the service, but I helped search when I was back on leave. Such a loss to many.

I leave behind my beloved wife and best friend, Lana Brandt; son, B.J. (Audra) Kirk; daughter, Jeri Jo (Rob) Douglas; grandsons, Dylan (Ahna) Kirk and Zach Bean; Lana’s children. Kate (Bill) Davidson and John (Karlye) Kingery; grandchildren, Cailee Kingery, Madison Kingery, and Daniel and Elizabeth Davidson; cherished great-grandchildren, Caroline Kirk and Addy and Kynlee MacDonald; sister, Dink (Gary) Hargrave; sister-in-law, Joni Kirk; niece, Wendi Kirk Stenzel; nephews, Jeff – Gabe (Rachael) Hargrave.

I am now joining my parents; my two brothers, Gene and Jimmy; grandson, Bennett Campbell Kirk; Lana’s son, Brent Kingery; and many many friends that left this world way too early.

Joseph Campbell Kirk was called home on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at his home in Hamburg, surrounded by his loving family. A graveside memorial service was held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Mt. Olive Cemetery southeast of Hamburg, Iowa. Military honors were conducted by the Hamburg American Legion Post 156. Memorials may be given to the Hamburg American Legion Post 156 or Mt. Olive Cemetery. Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com. Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.