Verne N. Kirchoff, 77, of Wilton died Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at his home after a short battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 23, 1939, to Paul and Helena (Zinke) Kirchoff on the family farm in the town of Wellington. He attended Slab Town Country School and was a member of the Wilton High School graduating class of 1958.
He was united in marriage to Carolyn Rolston on Nov. 4, 1972, in Melrose. She preceded him in death Oct. 14, 2014.
Verne worked on the family farm until retiring from farming and going to work for Northern Engraving, retiring after 41 years. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Eagle River, Wis., and traveling out West and to Canada. He also enjoyed cutting wood for fuel and collecting musical instruments, especially player pianos and organs. He had such a collection that he had to build an additional three to four rooms onto his house. Verne also spent countless hours repairing and refurbishing a variety of different pianos and organs.
He is survived by his special cousins, Mildred Radke, Lyle Witt and Allen Witt; many cousins; his neighbors who became family, Todd and Tracy Clark and their children, Peyton, Payne, Payge, Payjah, and Payson; many close friends; his church family at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton; those he drove as well as many other friends; and his cats, Mini, Puff, and Willow.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Pastor Kristin Wendland will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to call Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
