Pastor Kirk Meseck

Kirk Edward Meseck, 66, of Grand Forks, ND passed away unexpectedly on October 5, 2023.

Kirk was born in Harvard, IL to Clarence & Beverly (Frank) Meseck on January 15, 1957. Kirk was Baptized and Confirmed at Trinity Lutheran in Harvard, IL. After Kirk graduated from Harvard High School, he attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He then attended Carthage College in Kenosha, WI and obtained his bachelor’s degree in social work. During his time as a social worker, he worked at the Allendale School for boys. During this time, the Holy Spirit called Kirk into Ministry. He attended Luther seminary in St. Paul, MN and completed his internship at Grace Lutheran in Hallock, MN. During this time he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail through California. He then graduated with a Master of Divinity. 

While in his internship in Hallock, Kirk met Deb. After almost a year together Kirk asked, “so will ya?” to Deb. After clarifying what he was asking, she agreed to marry him. Kirk and Deb were united in marriage on April 25, 1987. They welcomed two boys into their family, Nick, and Tony.

Kirk was first called to serve at Salem Lutheran in Turtle River, MN and First Lutheran in Hines, MN. His second call was at Concordia, St. John’s, and Varnes Lutheran in Fertile, MN.  His third call was Faith Lutheran in Madison, MN. His final call was at Calvary Lutheran in Grand Forks, ND.

During these calls he officiated countless events such as baptisms, first communions, confirmations, baccalaureate, weddings, and funerals. He loved leading Jesus trips, faith builders, and other mission trips where he often found himself in a great amount of shenanigans. Kirk took every opportunity to share the Holy Spirit and help others grow in their faith.

Kirk was a pillar in the communities that he lived. He valued the friendships and relationships that he built. He participated and led many clubs and boards on the civic and church level. In 2015, Kirk received the outstanding citizen of the year award from the Chamber of Commerce in Madison, MN.  

Kirk loved running, reading, gardening, golfing, playing and watching sports, mushrooms, nature, and eating spaghetti. He always tried to do simple projects, but they never went as planned. He stated, “it wasn’t a project if he wasn’t bleeding”. You could often find him enjoying time with family and friends at places such as The Pantry, Perkins, playing morning basketball, the golf course, and having a good conversation over a coffee, beer, or a glass of wine. But, most importantly he loved spending his time with his 5 grandkids.

Kirk is survived by his wife of 36 years, Deb; their two sons Nick (Tori), Tony (Kendyl); 5 grandchildren Brodie, Murphie, Landrie, Violet, and Henry; his four siblings Greg (Irma) Meseck, twin sister Kim (Steve) Schultz, Jill (Mike) Book, Jodi (Tom) Harrison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved dog Rusty.

He will always be remembered by his unwavering love and support for every person that crossed his path.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service  on Thursday, October 12, 2023 in Calvary Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall  1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks.. 

Memorial Services will be  11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Chester Fritz Auditorium, 3475 University Ave., Grand Forks. There will also be visitation for one hour prior to the service in the auditorium. The memorial service will be available via livestream from Calvary Lutheran Church website. (calvarygf.org).

On Friday, parking will not be enforced (ticketed)  in the south parking lot of the Chester Fritz Auditorium, or on Strinden Road. Carpooling is encouraged.   For those who wish to be dropped off at the front doors of the Chester Fritz Auditorium, there will be a shuttle available from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please park in the Simplot parking lot that borders 10th Avenue North and North Columbia Road near the Ralph Engelstad Arena.  

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials are preferred to: Northlands Rescue Mission, Calvary Lutheran Church - Lewis and Clark backpack program, or ELCA World Hunger 

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