Roger Paul Kirk, 88, of New Era, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He was born February 27, 1938, in Muskegon, the son of C. Paul and Ester (Button) Kirk. In 1940 the family moved to Oceana County because his parents did not want to raise their son in the city.
Roger attended Bradyville Grade school through eighth grade. He graduated from Shelby High School in 1956. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1961 with a Bachelor's degree in Constitutional Law and Economics. He taught at South Haven High School for four years, then worked for a construction company while he pursued his passion for flying, obtaining his Private and Commercial Licenses and his Flight Instructor Rating. In 1968 he joined the staff of the flight program at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. While at the college, he obtained his multi-engine rating and his ATP - Airline Transport Rating. Later he flew for several small airlines that serviced Traverse City at the time as well as flying Air Ambulance. He finished his flying career flying a Citation for Miller Oil Company.
After retiring Roger and Karen spent many winters in Texas, Arizona and Florida. They enjoyed traveling in their motorhome. When it became more difficult to make the trips to Florida for the winter, they sold their Florida home in 2023 and decided to stay in Michigan year around. It was the right decision at the right time.
Roger is survived by: his wife of 66 years, Karen (Sundell) Kirk; sisters-in-law, Lillian Kirk, Judy (Sam) Laswell and Patricia Sundell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Roger was preceded in death by: his parents, C. Paul and Ester; brother, Robert Kirk; and brother-in-law, Andrew Sundell.
Celebration of Life services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, Michigan 49446, with Pastor Sarah Samuelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church. A luncheon will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, Michigan 49446.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements. harrisfhome.com
