Kirk Ankerstjerne

ANKERSTJERNE, Kirk Bryan, age 64

Born October 22, 1960

We are devastated to convey that our Kirk passed away on January 12, 2025. He was the most dedicated, loving father and husband, a telecommunications salesman specializing in fiber optics, and a friend of Bill W. He was preceded in death by his parents, Colleen and Baxter, and the best man at his wedding, Gillie Suarez. He is survived and deeply grieved by his wife of 36 years, Mary; kids, Jack and Anna; Golden Retriever, Griffin; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dearest friends.

Kirk was born and raised in Peterson, Iowa, where he grew up raising cattle and farming. He attended Iowa State and became a lifelong Cyclone, an avid fan of the basketball and football teams. He met Mary in their apartment building in Ames, moved to the Twin Cities, and in 1988 they married. In 1994, they adopted their son, Jack, and in 2001, the family traveled to China to welcome their daughter, Anna. Kirk showed his love and dedication to his family through his many actions, like building an ice rink each winter in their front yard on Edgcumbe, coaching Jack’s baseball teams, and dancing at father-daughter dances beginning in Girls Scouts through Anna’s senior year of high school.

More recently, Kirk celebrated the Cyclone's win in the Pop-Tart Bowl Game and shared his love for Iowa State with the family, especially Jack, texting him through each game, watching together, although a thousand miles away. Along with the Cyclones, Kirk loved great food. A great cook, his deviled eggs are renowned in all his social circles. While dining out, Kirk and Anna loved to share desserts, indulging in carrot cakes, chocolate tortes, and ice cream. When the weather was warm enough, he enjoyed golfing, appreciating the camaraderie of the sport. Kirk loved to go to the family’s lake cabin and was a reliable pontoon captain.

Kirk’s sparkling blue eyes and big bright smile showed how much he cared to be with his loved ones. His disarming wit and immense love will be missed like no other.

Kirk will be honored and remembered with a wake on January 21, 2025 from 4-7 pm at O’Halloran & Murphy, 575 Snelling Ave South, St. Paul, MN 55116. On January 22, 2025, there will be a visitation at 9 am preceding a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at Assumption Catholic Church, 51 Seventh St West, St. Paul, MN 55102. The funeral was recorded, link below 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-65gUwsPn6to1QS1NluPd5243jBdAdFK?usp=sharing

In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to Union Gospel Mission’s Christ Recovery Center to support those struggling with addiction.