Olav Kirk

Olav Kirk, the son of Svend and Guldborg (Holm) Kirk, was born on April 9, 1922, in Roskilde, Denmark. He was raised and educated in Denmark. During World War II, Olav served in the Danish Underground. He immigrated to the United States in 1948, and was honored to become a United States citizen on April 11, 1955. Olav farmed his aunt’s land and worked as a carpenter. He also worked several years at the pork plant in Harlan, Iowa. After the plant closed, Olav was employed as a handyman, doing odd jobs.

On July 18, 1964, Olav married Leora Arlene Troll at the old Immanuel Lutheran Church building in Harlan, Iowa.

Olav was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. He enjoyed gardening and kept a large garden at Bill Lewis’place for many years. He was a good artist and loved to paint. Olav liked to fish, play bingo, camp, and dance. He also passed the time by playing Solitaire and working crossword puzzles.

Olav Kirk died on Friday, April 6, 2007, at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 28 days.

Olav was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Gudrun Johansen; one brother, Borge Kirk; and one son, Galen Sorensen. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Leora Kirk of Harlan, Iowa; two sons, Ricky (Kaomi) Sorensen of Harlan, Iowa, and Daryl (Mary) Sorensen of Tempe, Arizona; one daughter, Donna (Bob) Van Leuven of Mesa, Arizona; four brothers, Uffe Kirk, Viggo Kirk, Helge Kirk, and Frode Kirk, all of Denmark; ten grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; other relatives in Denmark; and other friends.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, April 12, 2007, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Pastors Steve Chellew and Heather Ploen officiating. Marge Ahrenholtz served as the organist, and Diane Kastens was the soloist. Burial of ashes took place in the Harlan Cemetery. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.