Kirk Reuel Ebert

Kirk Reuel Ebert passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021 at his home in Auburn, Indiana at the age of 67.  Visitation will be on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 5-7 PM at Zaharia Family Funeral Home in Truman, Minnesota, where a service will be held on Friday, December 31^st at 11AM with Rev. Timothy A. Chase officiating. A live-stream of the funeral will be available on the funeral home website. Inurnment will follow (weather permitting) in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Truman. Zaharia Family Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.ZahariaFamilyFuneral.com

Kirk was born to R. Arlen and Doreen (Geistfeld) Ebert on August 24, 1954 in Fairmont, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Truman, Minnesota.  As a child, Kirk attended school at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Truman.  He graduated from Truman High School with the class of 1972.  He continued his education at both the University of Minnesota, Waseca (UMW), graduating in 1974; and the University of Minnesota College of Agriculture, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree. 

In his earlier years, Kirk loved snowmobiles, riding bike (all over town and out in the country), Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, hunting, fishing, and as much time as possible at the family lake home in Marcel, Minnesota.  He was actively involved in FFA in High School where he also enjoyed playing football (and continued to play at UMW).  While at the U of M, he played Rugby and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

After graduation from college, Kirk worked for Wedges Nursery in Albert Lea in Landscape Architecture and also enjoyed a short stint as adjunct faculty at UMW teaching Landscape Construction.  Later, he made a career change into Field Sales Management and Marketing working for Novartis, Pfizer Genetics and several different regional companies in the Wisconsin, Ohio and Michigan areas over the years.  He was a natural salesperson and especially enjoyed the one-on-one contact in meeting and working with farmers. 

On September 11, 1991, Kirk married Rhonda Hill and to this union, a beautiful daughter was born, Karleigh Lauren.  Kirk also enjoyed being a stepdad to Rhonda’s son, Travis. They later divorced but maintained a good relationship. Kirk deeply loved his immediate and extended family and no matter how far away he lived, he was always interested in hearing what they were all up to. 

Throughout his life, Kirk worked hard and played hard.  He liked high adventure activities and had boundless energy well into his mid-life.  Diagnosed in his early 20’s, he struggled with Bipolar I Disorder that greatly affected his later life.  In December 2020, Kirk moved into Smith Farms, an Independent and Assisted Living Facility in Auburn, Indiana.  He enjoyed his new home and was well liked by the staff and residents who responded well to his jokes and humor.   Kirk’s family is very appreciative of the loving care and comfort they provided for him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Karleigh Ebert of Auburn, Indiana; sister, Kimberly (Dennis) Gleason of Buffalo, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Julie Ebert of Fairmont, Minnesota; grandchild, Bennett Funchion of Auburn, Indiana; nieces and nephews, Melissa (Mark) Keefer, DeAnn (Ben) Loll, Renae (Matt) Rimmer, Michael (Heather) Ebert, and Neil Gleason; aunts, Jan Warrington and Judi (Dr. Richard) Bergen; hunting Buddy, Travis (Lyric) Hill; loyal friends, Bill Cunningham and JoAnne Willi; Rhonda and Steve Boylan, other family and friends.

Those who preceded him in death are his parents, R. Arlen and Doreen L. (Geistfeld) Ebert; brother, Keith Ebert; grandparents, Ed and Marian Geistfeld & Reuel and Clara Ebert; aunt, LouAnn (Robert) Kilpatrick; and uncle, Ed Warrington.

Condolences may be sent to Kim Gleason, 504 Carling Ave. N.E., Buffalo, MN  55313.  Memorials are preferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Truman, MN or the National Alliance for Mental Health Minnesota (NAMI MN).

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