Michael Kirkham “Kirk” Stevenson, 65, of Gilberts, died on October 23, 2022, in his home.
Kirk was born in New London, Connecticut on August 11, 1957, to parents Eric and Judith (nee Herrick) Stevenson. He studied fine arts at the Philadelphia College of Art and received his undergraduate degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. He then went on to receive his Masters of Museum Education at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and his Masters of Secondary Education at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
He met Karen Morehead at church in Washington D.C. and the couple was married on February 17, 1991. Kirk and Karen celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary this year and together they dedicated their lives to raising their four children. At age 19 he became a believer in Jesus Christ and faithfully served Him all his life. Kirk enjoyed spending time playing guitar and making up personalized songs for each of his children, whom he called by creative and clever nicknames. He was a skilled writer and loved to spend time reading. He sought knowledge through books and challenging discussions with others. He was passionately devoted to the improvement of his relationships and his health. He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Through his intentional care for others, Kirk leaves a lasting legacy of love.
Kirk is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, his dear children Andrea (30), Eric (29), Charlotte (25), and Colin (21), his siblings, Jonathan (Sharon Butler) Stevenson, Anne (Zhi Fang Yang) Stevenson-Yang, Margot Stevenson, and Philip Stevenson, his nephew, Sam Stevenson, his niece, Lucy Stevenson, his step niece Lena Curland, and his mother-in-law, Amalia Morehead.
Burial will be private at Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Nebraska.
A memorial service will be held on November 19 at 11 a.m. at Elgin Evangelical Free Church, 1900 Big Timber Road, Elgin, IL 60123. Lunch will be provided at the church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kirk’s name can be made to one of the following charities: McAlpine Partners www.mcalpinepartners.com, Valley Avenue Baptist Church www.valleyavenue.org, and Elgin Evangelical Free Church www.elginefc.org
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be sent to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Dear Stevenson Family - You have been in our thoughts and prayers this week. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace throughout this difficult time. ❤️
Dear Karen, Andrea, Eric, Charlotte and Colin, The Plunkett family were so very sorry to learn of Kirk's sudden passing, Kirk's legacy will live on in each of you and Kirk's kind and endearing soul will never be forgotten by his family and friends. Gina and I look forward to joining you at Kirk's celebration of life. In the meantime we send you all much love and our deepest sympathy at this very difficult time. Love, Gina, Paul, Remo, Jack, Phoebe and Harper.