AMES, Iowa—Larry Gene Kirk, 87, of Ames, passed away peacefully at his home on May 27, 2025, after a 16-year courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Devoted husband, greatest girl dad, best grandpa and great grandpa, and #1 Cyclone fan, Larry was a kind soul who was willing to offer a helping hand to anyone.
He began his life in rural Greene County, Iowa, on August 15, 1937, and was the son of Donald and Opal (Stall) Kirk. He was one of five boys and one girl and grew up in Grand Junction. He graduated from East Green High School in 1957 and was proud to have lettered in track. He also served in the Iowa National Guard for 7 years, enrolling before he graduated from high school.
Larry married Joyce Marie Miller on November 22, 1958, in Webster City. They raised their daughters, Shelly and Kim, in Boone and moved to Ames in 1988. Larry spent many years working in manufacturing at Massey Fergeson and later at Sauer Danfoss; he retired in 2004.
Throughout his life, Larry enjoyed camping and after retiring, for several years, he and Joyce would spend their winters in southern Texas. He also played slow-pitch softball in the Old Timer’s league, cheered on his beloved ISU Cyclones in football and men’s and women’s basketball, was the devoted taxi driver for his daughters and granddaughters with their friends before they could drive, and enjoyed attending all of the activities of his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his wife of more than 65 years, Joyce Kirk of Ames; his daughters, Shelly Stotts of Boone and Kim Blonigen of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren Allison Larson, Kaitlyn Gibbs, Alex Blonigen and Eric Blonigen; great-grandchildren Addison and Ava Larson and Alaina Gibbs. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sons-in-law Jeff Stotts and Brad Blonigen.
Memorial services for Larry will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with visitation at 10 A.M. and funeral following at 11:00 A.M, at the First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave., in Ames. It will also be streamed at https://youtube.com/live/09NGx5bhkak or visit YouTube.com/@amesfirst umc and find it in the “upcoming” list. He will be laid to rest at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone. Ames Cremation & Funeral Care is caring for Larry and his family; online condolences may be left at AmesCremation.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at https://themmrf.org/ or the Ames First United Methodist Church at the address above or online at https://onrealm.org/fumcames/-/form/give/now .
Larry Kirk, 87, Ames, Iowa
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