Ronald B. Kirk

June 25, 1941 - July 23, 2020

Ronald Brian Kirk passed away peacefully with his family holding his hand on July 23rd, 2020 at the age of 79.

Ron leaves wonderful memories for his wife of 53 years, Rosa Maria of Carbondale, IL; daughter Melissa (Michael) Braun of Crystal Lake, IL; daughter Colleen (Chris Myers) Kirk of Santa Margarita, CA; and grandsons Colin, Ethan, Logan, and Braden Braun of Crystal Lake, IL. He is also remembered lovingly by his brothers Frederick (Susan) Kirk of Arvada, CO and Richard (Loretta) Kirk of Lakewood, CO, and his sister Barbara Howard of Arvada, CO. Ron also leaves many other relatives and friends.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Frederick George and Lucille Anne Kirk, his brother-in-law Michael Howard, and his niece Kathleen Kirk.

Ron was born in Denver, Colorado on June 25, 1941. There he graduated with honors from Regis High School in 1959. He continued his studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, graduating in 1963 summa cum laude.

Ron then left for California to study mathematics at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Ron met Rosie at a party there when he asked her to dance with him. They fell in love and married in 1967.

Ron received his PhD in Mathematics from Caltech in 1968. He had a long, successful career as a professor in the Mathematics Department at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, IL. He was a professor (1968-1999) and chairman of the department for many years.

Ron always enjoyed working with computers, ever since their early days. We remember him building his own in the 1970s with mail order parts and programming an early calculator to play Mastermind. He later built computers for the whole family and designed adventure games; and friends correctly predicted football winners using programs he created.

Throughout his working life, Ron jogged five miles every workday at noon, and after 20 years, he had circled the earth! He was always sharp, with many witty jokes always ready to share.

In retirement, Ron and Rosie returned to dancing. They enjoyed ballroom and country dancing (waltz, Latin dances, swings and two-step!). They participated in amateur competitions around the country and met many new friends that way.

His family was always of utmost importance to Ron. When his family was young, we all enjoyed going out for special breakfasts together on Saturday mornings and driving together cross country to visit relatives in faraway states. Later when we all gathered, he always wanted to treat everybody to dinner out and a movie, especially delighting in taking his four grandsons. He will be in our hearts forever.

We extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO for their care and compassion.

We are remembering Ron with a scholarship in his name for graduate students in the Math Department at SIU-C. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to this scholarship fund. Visit siuf.org/giving and click on “give now”; then write: “Ron Kirk Mathematics Fund” in the box labeled: “If the area or fund you wish to support is not listed, enter its name below”; click on “add to gift”. Alternatively, gifts may be mailed (indicate “Ron Kirk Mathematics Fund” in memo line and write check to “SIU Foundation”) to the SIU Foundation, Colyer Hall – MC 6805, 1235 Douglas Drive, Carbondale IL 62901.

A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

There are no events scheduled.

Ronald Brian Kirk passed away peacefully with his family holding his hand on July 23rd, 2020 at the age of 79. Ron leaves wonderful memories for his wife of 53 years, Rosa Maria of Carbondale, IL; daughter Melissa (Michael) Braun of Crystal Lake, IL; daughter Colleen (Chris Myers) Kirk of Santa Margarita, CA; andContinue Reading

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Mommie, I’m so sad for all of us. I miss him every day, not all day every day because I live far away and am so busy with everyday life, but every day! I can only imagine how much you miss him when you are in the house you shared with him for 40 years. I love you so much, as I loved daddy. I love you too C. I remember our “family hugs“ and smile......let’s all do another one.....from afar ❤️ Melissa (Missi)

I'm so very sorry for the loss of such a kind man. I met him as a stranger just doing some side work and the welcoming of Ron and Rosa was so warm and nice that my wife and I created immediate friendship and love!

Wow I just dont know where to start.. Rosy my heart truly breaks for you.There just aren't any words that really help just know you are in my prayers and I'm here for you in anyway I can help...Love you my friend ( the other Rosie)

Ron told terrific jokes. Do you remember when we used to attend the madrigal balls, at Christmas time? After so many years of Ron's same jokes on those occasions, he simply wrote down the number of his jokes. He'd pull out a number, and everyone would laugh, without having to actually tell the joke! What fun we all had!

Oh Rosie, I was so shocked and sorry for you loss when I heard about Ron's death this week. What wonderful years of retirement you had together, dancing. I'm so happy for you in that. So sorry that Ron departed so early. He was always so fit. To the "girls", I am so sorry for the early loss of your father. I'm sure that the boys and both of you will really miss him. BTW, my son, George Baartmans, lives in Barrington, IL, not far from Crystal Lake. I wish you all the best. Rosie, my heart goes out to you. 53 years of marriage is a long time to live with someone, and then have them gone.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I only met Ron once in person and on this day I stepped on his feet when he asked me to dance. Sorry Ron !!! Your dear wife Rosie I met when I worked at the Laundromat in Carbondale. We became very close friends. I am convinced that behind a happy and wonderful woman, like my sister-friend Rosie, there can only be an equally wonderful person. And therefore I thank you Ron. Elsie

I am so sorry. I will miss not seeing Ron. Great couple, grand dancers. Loved them both. For Rosy, I dedicate this recently poem I wrote to them. Dance Dance with me To the music Hold me close Swirl me around Smooth as a silk With the music Dream a while Safe and sound Lost in time No today No tomorrow Just now Till the dawn In warm loving arms Joan Skiver-Levy 8/7/20

Ron, you enhanced my love of mathematics when I was in graduate school and continued to keep me abreast of technology by generously providing the latest in fun electronics. Mostly, I'll miss the yummy oatmeal you prepared for me when I visited Rosi and you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

So sad. We were very good friends since 1968. Anne and Nick

Rosie, our condolences to you and your family, I have fond memories of Ron during my time in Carbondale. Ron and I used to run at noon together for many years around the track by the football field. We would discuss the departmental affairs, the football Cardinals, and off course the Denver Broncos. Our families celebrated numerous holidays together and they were always very special, I believe that Ron had some Irish blood in him and had a knack for telling hilarious jokes during these occasions. He was a special guy who left his imprint in mathematics, the department and his friends My best wishes to you during these difficult times. Al

My heart goes out yo you and your family in this difficult time. Try to focus on all the great memories and smile when you think of him. Sending prayers and hugs for you.

My Darling Ron, Thank you for the priceless gift of your love. I am blessed to have shared a beautiful life with you, raising our two wonderful daughters and dancing throughout the night. You will forever be in my heart until we reunite and dance together again. Your Rosie
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.