Michael Darrell Kirsch

Michael Darrell Kirsch, age 79, passed away in Clovis, CA on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Michael was born in Spangler, PA and moved to Hanford, CA with his family as a young boy. In Hanford, he attended St. Rose-McCarthy Catholic School and was an altar boy for years at St. Brigid Catholic Church. Michael graduated from Hanford Joint Union High School in 1963. Michael’s family then moved to Clovis, and he attended Fresno City College and Fresno State College. In 1969, his family moved back to Hanford, and he met the love of his life, Claire Smith, his wife of 52 years. Michael and Claire married in 1972 at St. Brigid Catholic Church, and they later made their home in Clovis. Michael worked as a tax examiner at the Fresno IRS for 25 years as he raised his two children.

Michael was a loving and devoted husband and father; he was the rock of the family. His devotion to family was evident as he took care of his mother and aunt in their last years.

Michael enjoyed tending his backyard orchard and garden. He loved to be outdoors and taking rides in his ’72 Corvette. After his retirement, he continued to get together with his IRS buddies at lunches and casinos.  Michael also provided a home to many pet cats over the years. Michael had a great sense of humor and always had entertaining stories or jokes to tell; he loved to be the center of attention. He enjoyed astronomy, watching the Raiders, 49ers, Fresno State football, and Giants baseball, as well as WWII military shows and adventure shows about archaeology, aliens, and buried treasure. Michael loved to do projects around the house and work on cars; he could fix just about anything.

Michael’s death is an overwhelming, profound loss for all who loved him. He was survived by his wife Claire Kirsch, daughter Lisa Kirsch, son Steven Kirsch, brother William “Billy” Kirsch, sister Ann Kirsch, brother-in-law Howard Smith, his extended family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quentin “Bill” Kirsch and Rosaleen Kirsch.

Services will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, beginning with visitation at 9:00-10:00 am, at Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Home, 100 W. Bush St, Hanford, CA. Mass will follow at 10:30 am at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 1001 N. Douty St, Hanford, CA. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 11680 S. 10th Ave, Hanford, CA.

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