Darwin Kirchner

Oregon – Darwin Ralph Kirchner, age 88, died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford.  He was born August 30, 1932 in Rockford, IL the son of Clifford and Alma (Goddard) Kirchner.  He attended Freeman Elementary School and Lincoln Jr. High School in Rockford, IL before attending Illinois School for the Deaf in Jachsonville, IL.  Darwin worked over 40 years for Barber Colman in Loves Park, IL retiring in 1994.  He married Esther Harberkorn on June 26, 1954 on the family farm near Kings, IL. He was a member of the Philadelphia Church of God since 1984.  He enjoyed playing cards, reading history books, and formerly loved to go bowling.  He was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Alma Kirchner and his parents-in-law Harriet and Valentine Haberkorn.  He is survived by his wife Esther Kirchner of Oregon, IL, together they had 2 children; Carmel (Neal) Dieken of Oregon, IL, and Barry (Tiffany) Kirchner of Machesney Park, IL, he is also survived by 1 brother Carl (Gloria) Kirchner of Rockford, IL, 5 grandchildren; Kyle (Erica) Kirchner, Jessica (Philip) Arellano, Austin, Grant, and Ryan Kirchner,  2 great grandchildren Emmy and Maggie Arellano, and special friends George and LaVon Hiltl.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date for Darwin.  There will be no visitation at this time. In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund is established in Darwin’s name.