Kevin's Burial...April 29, 2009

Everyone gathered at the Catholic cemetary on Towers Road in St. Charles, MO to attend my nephew, Kevin Kirn's burial. The weather was cloudy with a threat of rain and the temperature was near 70. The funeral mass was held at St. Joseph's Catholic church in Cottleville at 10 a.m. The funeral procession of 40 or more cars led all of us across the county to the road 1/2 mile from where Kevin had recently built a home for his family. Kevin's gravesite is easily seen from the road as it is just next to the lone tree.

Kevin's best friend Jamie said a few words about Kevin and the 10 years they have known one another after the burial service. Afterwards everyone drove to Kevin & Kathy's to gather and spend time together in honoring Kevin's life.

Kyle, my great nephew

What a terrific smile this kid has and what a ton of fun it is to be with him. We had a ball together.

Mark & Kayla

Mark snores & Kayla communicates quietly so not to disturb her sleeping uncle.

Mary had a little lamb

Here's my nephew Mark aka Rip Van Winkle, Sleeping Beauty...

The autographed whiffleball bat

Kyle displays the autographed model signed by his Great uncle Bob aka daddymunster.

Kevin Louis Kirn...My Nephew

Pictured is Kevin with his lovely wife, Kathy and their three kids. Here we see Kaila, Kory, and Kyle. They are a lot of fun to be around and I wish that I lived closer to spend more time with them.

Kevin was like a little brother to me while growing up and we have a great deal of history together. Whenever we get together we enjoy each other's company and it really doesn't matter how long it has been since the last time we saw each other.

I remember a spring in St. Louis back in the early 80's when I was a carpenter and married to Tina. I came home tired from work so I took a shower, got a bite to eat, and laid down on my bed for a nap. I was awakened to a strange noise I heard thru the opened window. The sound kept repeating itself and captured my curiosity. Now I was awake and had to find out what was going on. When I looked out my window there was nothing to be found, but when I went outside and looked over my house I discovered what was happening.

A large multi-colored hot air baloon piloted by Kevin was hovering over my rooftop and he was creating this sound by giving the baloon more gas. Now I was awake, but I thought I was still dreaming. Kevin and I always have a great laugh about this incident.

My sister JoAnn informed me on Sunday that Kevin has a cancerous tumor growing out of his right lung. I then called Kevin to find out that he was starting radiation treatment on the following day. Kevin, I know you'll pull thru. I'm counting on you!

(click image to enlarge)