Dennis “Pete” V. Kircher, 65, Burtrum, MN

Dennis “Pete” V. Kircher, 65 year old resident of Burtrum, MN passed away Friday, August 3, 2012 in Todd County, MN as a result of an automobile accident. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 9, 2012 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville, MN with Rev. Marty Porter officiating. Burial will be at Bearhead Cemetery in Pillsbury, MN. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Swanville and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Military Honors will be conducted by the Swanville American Legion Post #313 and VFW Post #6037.

Pete was born September 26, 1946 to Vernon “Shorty” and Betty (Galligan) Kircher near Grey Eagle, MN. He was a 1964 graduate of Swanville High School. On August 20, 1964 he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Pete served 13 months in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1968, after 4 years of active duty. In 1970, Pete started farming with his dad, Shorty, and then took over the family farm. Pete loved his John Deere green. For 30 years he milked cows and continued to crop farm after that. In 1996, he became manager of the Swanville Co-op Creamery/Produce. Pete was married to Cindy Schultz on April 2, 1977 in Long Prairie at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Pete was a member of the Valhalla Marine Corps League Detachment 171, and Swanville VFW Post #6037. He enjoyed playing softball, skydiving, deer hunting in Wyoming, elk hunting in Montana. He also had many memories of a safari in South Africa. Pete loved to spend time with family and friends. He lived life to the fullest and always had time to help out anyone that needed it.
Pete is survived by loving wife of 35 years, Cindy Kircher of Burtrum, MN; sons, Tom Kircher of Murrieta, CA, Keith Kircher of Prescott, AZ, Nate (Kristine) Kircher of Lakeville, MN; daughter, Shelly Kircher and special friend Simon Waltman of Little Falls, MN; grandchildren, Daniel and Paige of Murrieta, CA, Bradyn and Ivan of Lakeville, MN; brothers, David (Kathy) of Burtrum, MN, Randy (Gretchen) of Owatonna, MN. Jody (Nancy) of Browerville, MN, Brian (Nancy) of Rice, MN; sister-in-law, Mary Kircher of Little Falls, MN; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Vernon and Betty; brother, John; and sister-in-law, Lynnette.
Pallbearers will be Andy Kircher, Chris Kircher, Joey Kircher, Dean Schultz, Jason Schultz and Ben Schultz.
Arrangements are with Shelley-Gibson Funeral Chapel of Swanville.