Joseph “Joe” J. Kirk, 67, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at MercyOne Dubuque.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. followed by full military honors accorded by the American Legion Post #6.

Joe was born on January 2, 1959, in Dubuque, the son of Frances and Ester (Dolan) Kirk. Joe was one of nine children. He married his teenage sweetheart on June 23, 1978, in Dubuque.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1978 and served for 20 years. During that time, he was stationed in Texas, California, Belgium and Korea. After his retirement from the service, he moved back to Dubuque, and worked for Schuster Heating and Pump, Hillcrest Family Services, as well as the City of Dubuque. Joe took early retirement so he could care for Ann but later returned to work at IWI part-time where he remained until his death.

Joe was a talented carpenter, and his cooking skills will be missed dearly. He most of all enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ann; his children, Sara Kirk-Johnson, Joseph D. (Deeana) Kirk, and Cory (Kendra) Daufeldt; grandchildren, Izzac Kirk, Patience Peters, Deztiney Kirk, Andrew Johnson, Lylah Kirk and Kaden Daufeldt; a special niece, Maggie Elkin; siblings, Frances “Frank” (Maria) Kirk, Sue (Coors) Kortweg, Mary (Craig) Milroy, Karen (Dennis) Walseth, Patrick Kirk, Elenor (Cleve) Kirk, Allyn (Bart) Elkin, and Mike Butler; his mother-in-law Susan Lafond; siblings-in-law, Lia Lafond, Frank Lafond, Eva (Randy Jansa) Egr, Meg (Steve) Greenwood; along with several nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Donat Lafond; and sister, Judy Butler.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.