TORRINGTON – Memorial services for Jacob ‘Jay’ Edward Kirchner, 86, will be held at a later date. Jay joined his heavenly Father on July 6, 2017, passing away at Community Hospital. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given to the Hawk Springs Community Bible Church. Arrangements are by the Colyer Funeral Home.
Jay was born Aug. 11, 1930, to George and Gertrude (Colwell) Kirchner in Trenton, Neb., and later moved with his family to Yoder, where he attended school and graduated high school with the class of 1949.
He worked at Silvertip delivering gas and fuel for two years before joining the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. During his time in the service he also was stationed in Fort Riley, Kan., Fort Richardson, Alaska and Fort Lewis, Wash. He returned home and farmed for Joe McManaman. He started working for Holly Sugar in 1958 and retired in 1991.
Jay enjoyed gardening, baseball and spending time with his family. He often spent winters in Arizona. He was a member of the Hawk Springs Community Bible Church.
Jay is survived by his son Gary (Jerra) Kirchner; daughters Kellie Kirchner, Lisa (Keith) Howell, Kristi Nissen and Jaylene Kirchner; grandchildren Michael (Marie) Kirchner, Jessie (Jeff) Mobley, Eric Nissen, Jamie Nissen and Dena (Chris) Anderson; six great-grandchildren; a sister Rosie (Hugh) Dowers; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Greg Kirchner; three brothers, Elmer, Bob “Buck” and Arthur “Bumps” Kirchner; and a sister, Kathleen “Katie” Vermillion.
A special thank you is given to his niece Dixie Elder for her love and care during his last years in Torrington. Jay was a wonderful person and will be missed by many, especially his loving family.
