William K. Kirch

William K. Kirch

June 21, 1933- March 22, 2026

Dad passed away at home, surrounded by his four remaining children. Dad was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, JoAnn, their eldest daughter, Cindy, and their youngest son Steve. He is survived by his children Bill Kirch (Suzanne), Julia Culp, Annie Galgano (John), and Chris Kirch. Bill grew up the youngest of seven children, out of 9, born to Carl F. and Katherine Kirch. Raised on Queen Anne Hill, attending St. Anne’s parish School, and Seattle Prep, Bill was always admired as an optimist and for his sense of humor.   Indeed, he was voted most optimistic in his class at Prep in 1951. He married JoAnn Erickson, who also grew up on Queen Anne. They fell in love and married in 1955. Almost immediately the adventures and misadventures began.  Their journey started on an old goat farm, north of the then city limit, of 85th NW. Then a small time in North Beach then 47 years in the beautiful neighborhood of Blue Ridge. Bill and JoAnn began carving out a life with a growing family. Dad’s drive and determination to support his young family, included a short stay in Texas in 1958. In 1972, Mom and Dad bought land in Miller Bay. The house they built there was their go to place for boats, bonfires, and many holidays and celebrations. Dad started out in business selling insurance and then sold and developed Real Estate. Having the ability to wear many hats at one time, he was able to do both for a while.  This was when things began to gain momentum. Working for a time at the State highway dept, acquiring land for the new I-5 freeway as it was taking shape south of Seattle. Dad was shrewd enough to separately obtain options and negotiate lease agreements with oil companies for gas stations at the forthcoming interchanges.    He quickly mastered his unique skill of making a deal. He carried on in Real Estate, both residential and commercial, while acquiring a small group of homes in and around Queen Anne Hill, he became a landlord as well. This led to the construction of the Queen Anne Courtyard apartments, which still stand there today.  At the heart of Dad’s life was his Catholic Faith.  As he said many times, it was a source of purpose and meaning that never once wavered; through the birth of 6 children, and the loss of two children before his own passing, and everything in between, his Faith and Family were his guidepost at every turn. In retirement, He and Mom travelled the world.  They became “rainbirds” and spent the better part of 12 years in Sun Lakes, AZ, where they made new adventures and new friends. Throughout their life wherever they lived, their door was always open –” the more the merrier!”  was a common refrain. Now reunited in peace, the legacy of these two lives is deep and wide- marked by selfless generosity and unconditional love.  Bill and Joann have 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  On Thursday, April 23rd, the rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am prior to the 11:00 am funeral Mass at Bill’s beloved St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ballard- his parish home for over 70 years.