Katherine Ann (Bachman) Kirk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Katherine Ann (Bachman) Kirk on 5 July 2020 at her home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Katherine Ann (Bachman) Kirk was born 18 March 1950 in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Kathy was a tender, loving wife. She married the love of her life, Donald Ray Kirk, 18 March 1972 in Andale, Kansas.
Don and Kathy were born in the same hospital about one year apart. They later met in college at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Don remembers sitting next to her in class and his confirmed bachelorhood came to an end. Don was nineteen and Kathy was eighteen.
Kathy and Don were not only husband and wife, but a formidable team. Together they faced illnesses and accidents, loss of loved ones, wars around the world, willful teenagers, household floodings of all kinds, death-defying climbs into the Grand Canyon. And sadly cancer.
Kathy was a true patriot and championed the services and sacrifices of two son-in-laws, her son, and her husband as they served in the U.S. Army. Kathy was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
Supporting Don's military career, the pair travelled and lived all over the world, including Germany and Italy. In every location they visited or country they lived in, Kathy recreated a beautiful home and cultivated new friendships. She encouraged (compelled!) her children to get out and make new friends and learn new cultures.
Kathy was an enthusiastic, unique, devoted mother. She loved and protected her children, and quite often surprised them! One year for Halloween she dressed up as Cindy Lauper complete with a newspaper skirt she hand-made. She played the tuba in her daughter's middle school band. Kathy enjoyed tricking her children by pretending to eat chocolate ants and putting fake spiders on walls. Her wit, creativity, encouragement, and love shaped her children into fearless, loyal, and outgoing adults.
Kathy was a magical grandmother. She decorated for Christmas wherever the family was, including hotels. She made incredible Halloween costumes and dolls. She hosted Grandma Camp. She was known by her grandchildren as "Nonna," "Grandma Nonna, "Grandma," and whatever syllables a toddler could pronounce. Nonna was a baby-whisperer who could calm a newborn, care for a new momma, and make a fabulous meal in one visit. One of her son-in-laws refers to her as "Saint Kathy."
The day Kathy was born the world became a better place. In her passing she leaves behind a magnificent legacy and will be remembered for generations.
Kathy leaves behind: Her children - Krista Shannon (Kirk) Noble & Nephi, Jacquelyn Elizabeth (Kirk) Syverson & Paul, Lt.Col. Donald Ray Kirk, Jr. & Tricia (Tarlavsky), and Katherine Suzanne (Kirk) Link & Christopher. Her 12 grandchildren (soon to be 13!) - Tabitha, Hannah, Abish, Paul, Amy, Joey, Cody, Chase, Emily, Elizabeth, Levi, Evelyn, and one-on-the way. Her dearly loved brother-in-law - Dennis Kirk and his son Dean Kirk. Her siblings - William Bachman, Margaret Bachman, Raymond Bachman, Richard Bachman, Robert Bachman, Jim Bachman, and Mark Bachman. Including her sister-in-law Linda Kirk.
Kathy is preceded in death by: her parents William and Mary (Walton) Bachman, her niece Melissa Bachman, her brother-in-law David Kirk, and her beloved son-in-law Major Paul R. Syverson III.
John 14:27 - 27 - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid."
A visitation will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road Carlisle, PA 17013. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Gregory J. D’Emma officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Kathy's name to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania - Hospice of Central PA (HCP) Development Department 1320 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17110. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E251444&id=15