Obituary for Gail A. Kirchner

She was born May 26, 1935, in La Crosse, Wis., to Shirley and Rachel (Sjolander) Sullivan. Gail grew up in Mindoro and was a 1953 graduate of Mindoro High School. On November 29, 1952, she married Sidney “Sid” Kirchner at Mindoro Lutheran Church and together they shared 56 years of marriage until Sid preceded Gail in death in November of 2008.

Gail worked as a nurse’s aid at Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse and Lakeview Health Center in West Salem. She also worked alongside her husband at Sid’s Farm Supply until its closing in 1998. Gail then went to work as a hostess at the Ho-Chunk Casino in Black River Falls until her retirement at the age of 78.

Her hobbies included golfing, bowling, playing cards, puzzles, watching old Western’s and the Milwaukee Brewers, and taking trips to visit family in Wyoming. Gail especially enjoyed attending as many activities as possible for her grandchildren and later, her great-grandchildren. She loved family get-togethers of any kind; if one was happening she wanted to be there. Gail loved and held a special place in her heart for each of her great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be deeply missed by her family; her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those she leaves behind.

Survivors include her children, Steve (Theresa) Kirchner, Sandy Kirchner, Sue Kneifl, and Kathy (Terry) Blaken; 10 grandchildren, Heather (Dan) Gilster, Scott Kirchner, Josh (Anne) Kirchner, Meghan (Justin) Lundvall, Shaun (Lory) Kneifl, Stephanie (Chad) Gensler, Chris (Becky) Blaken, Justin (Anna) Blaken, Brett (Laura) Blaken, and Jordan (Clark) Anderson; 22 great-grandchildren, Haylee, Alyssa, Audrey, Kase, Koy, Laney, Layla, Beau, Noah, Evan, Quinn, Brady, William, Parker, Baylor, Alexa, Leah, Brooks, Clara, Kellen, Sidney, and Charlie; two brothers, Larry (Margie) Sullivan and Mike (Barb) Sullivan; brother-in-law, Dale (Betty) Kirchner; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her husband, Sid, Gail was preceded in death by her parents; great-grandson, Colton Kirchner; and son-in-law, Thomas “Tom” Kneifl.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Mindoro Lutheran Church. Pastor Emma Grinde will officiate. Burial will follow in Farmington Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and also from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service, Thursday, both at Mindoro Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mindoro Lutheran Church or to an organization of the donor’s choice in memory of Gail.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com