Kirk Graen

Kirk Graen, born on September 30th, 1952, is survived by his wife, Renee (Klatt); his two sons: Nathan (Jenna) and Jordan (Alex); and five grandchildren: Winston, Cora, Louis, George, and James. He is also survived by his siblings: Redg (Charr), Cindy Pahl, and Vicki VanGuilder. Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Arvilla; his brother, Daniel (Christy); and his brothers-in-law: David Pahl and Mike VanGuilder.

Kirk grew up in Brooklyn Center before moving to his family farm in Nowthen, MN. He graduated from Brooklyn Center High School in 1971 and Dunwoody in 1973.

Kirk worked as an electrician and an all-around handyman. He was able to fix anything for anyone, working late nights and weekends, while quick to give his time but very slow to bill for it. He had many long-term customers that were his friends for decades. We suspect many companies will be in a bit of a bind without him being a phone call away anymore. He "retired" last year, despite still working 3-4 days a week making the drive back to the Twin Cities from his retirement home on Pike Lake outside of Duluth. You'd know it was Kirk coming when you saw his "well-loved" van which was notoriously crammed full of his parts.

 In his younger years, he was an avid outdoorsman and earned all possible Boy Scout badges. Kirk was known to be able to light a campfire in the pouring rain using wet kindling and logs. He enjoyed duck hunting, and he spent many memorable hours hunting birds with his brother.

As a father, he provided for his family. He was the father that knew how to do everything that a boy would want his father to know. He taught his children to fish, hunt, boat, sail, use power tools, plant a garden, raise animals, and much more. Whenever we asked him, “How do I…?” he always knew the answer. He was quick to laugh and very slow to anger. He was a great father.

No one could back a trailer up like Kirk could, which was evident by his ability to back an 8-foot-wide trailer through a 7-foot-wide gap. He was the best at pulling his boys and their friends on tubes behind his boat, spending hours on the water, sometimes pulling six kids at a time. He loved making his children happy. When he found out his daughter-in-law was pregnant and craving rootbeer, he bought six kinds and his fridge has been stocked with it ever since.

Kirk was a man of faith, though he wasn't the type to evangelize from the mountaintops. Rather, he worshiped the Lord by attending church regularly at Brooklyn Lutheran in Brooklyn Park and serving as Head of Building and Grounds for many years. He was always there to fix or service anything that needed attention in the church. Since moving last year, he’s been attending Shepherd of the Hills in Duluth.

He was a steadfast grandfather who was adored by his grandchildren. They loved calling him "Papa Kirk." He was patient and kind and fully dedicated his attention them, which in this age of technology and distractions is enchanting for a child. He would spend hours fishing off the dock with them no matter how many times the lines were tangled or rods dropped in the water. We are heartbroken they didn't have more time with their Papa Kirk.

Kirk passed away unexpectedly at his lake home August 12, 2023. He and Renee planned to spend their golden years on their new pontoon, floating in the water, and enjoying lake life. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyal customers, and a family who misses him dearly.

We take solace in the fact that we know Kirk is resting in heaven with God, reuniting joyously with lost family and friends. We hope he takes time to rest, but we know if something is broken in heaven, it won't be for long now that Kirk is there.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at Brooklyn  Lutheran Church, 5840 69th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55429 at 1pm, with a service at 2pm. Pie and ice cream to follow - Kirk's favorite.