David Vankirk

David Michael VanKirk, 80, of Rochester, MN died Friday, August 21, 2020 at his residence. David was born November 23, 1939 to Mary VanKirk in Rochester, MN. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1957 and then entered the U.S. Navy on September 26, 1957 in Minneapolis, MN. David rode the Milwaukee Road passenger train down to Great Lakes, IL where he entered boot camp and graduated in December of 1957. He was assigned to Company 373 and went through E&E P school and Electricians Mate Class A school where he graduated in May of 1958. After receiving orders for the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA42, he reported to the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard in June of 1958. David was honorably discharged in November of 1960 as an Electricians Mate 2nd Class. Before returning home, he traveled on two Mediterranean cruises and recommended that everyone should go to Naples, Cannes, Genoa, Athens, Barcelona, and especially Golfe Juan. David finally returned home to Rochester, MN and began work as an electrician for Adair Electric Co., later becoming President of the company in 1975 and operating it until 2020. David was a member of the Elks in Rochester and served as Exalted Ruler from 1968-1969. David enjoyed his June and September fishing trips to Nakina, Ontario Canada, mentoring for AA (he was a friend of Bill W. since 1979), class reunions and the Franklin Roosevelt Ship Reunions. David was married to Carol Stevens from 1961-1975. He married Randa Hart in 1976. Survivors include his wife Randa of Rochester; son, Edward VanKirk of Rochester and daughter, Barbara (Mike) Soderbeck of Eagan, MN; two grandchildren, Jenna (Darren) Eck of Apple Valley, MN and Jessica (Miles) Norman of Eagan, MN. David was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Adair; Mother-in-law, Beverly Hart and niece, Stacy Thatcher. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am Friday August 28, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service. Private family burial will follow the service. Social distance guidelines will be followed, and a mask is required for attendance to either the visitation or service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Minnesota Teen Challenge or Season's Hospice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the VanKirk family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com