Elaine Kirk, age 97 passed away peacefully on Monday, April 17, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Indiana.
Blondie, as she was called by everyone who knew her, was born in Princeton, Illinois. She grew up on a farm during the depression and was the youngest of 7 children of Herman and Selma Nelson. Her dad insisted that all the children go to college and Blondie attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL. After graduating, she met her future husband Harold Kirk on a blind date. They married in Princeton and moved to the near western suburbs eventually settling in River Forest, where they spent their entire life.
Blondie is preceded in death by her husband Harold. She is survived by her four children Scott (Jean), Todd (Jane), Kent (Denise) and Ann Williams (Doug). She had 14 grandchildren who adored her and 13 great grandchildren.
Blondie loved the outdoors and spent many weeks during the year hunting in North Dakota and fishing in Canada with Harold.
Blondie was very active in the community over the years. She served on the Women’s Auxiliary board for West Suburban Hospital and was active in the infant Welfare Society of OPRF. She was also active in her church, First Presbyterian Church of River Forest as an Elder. Also, for many years she served on the Village of River Forest’s Planning and Development Board. Blondie and Harold were longtime members of the River Forest Tennis Club and the Oak Park Country Club.
One of the late honors in her life was the dedication of the 600 block of Keystone as Elaine “Blondie” Kirk Way to honor her for her years of service to the community.
A wake is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest, 7551 Quick Avenue, River Forest, IL. A lunch and reception will be at the Oak Park Country Club in River Grove following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to First Presbyterian Church of River Forest is welcomed.
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