Bernard Alex Kirckof

ROCHESTER - Bernard A. (Bernie) Kirckof 85, of Rochester, died Friday, Feb 22, 2013 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Bernie was born on September 16, 1927 in Brooten, MN to Alex and Mary (Fiddler) Kirckof.He grew up in the Alexandria, MN area and began his first plumbing business in the lake area draining summer cabins.In 1944, Bernie joined the U.S. Navy.He was stationed on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific and discharged on August 18th, 1946. Bernie received his master plumbers license in September 1946 and returned to the plumbing business.He started Kirckof Plumbing and Heating and operated a contracting business in MN and surrounding states. On September 23, 1950, Bernie married Helen Lanzendorf in Minneapolis.They moved to Rochester and together raised their six children.Helen and Bernie owned and operated Kirckof Plumbing and Heating and Rochester Lapidary. Helen died in 1994.Rochester Lapidary Jewelers was later sold to their son Donald Kirckof. Bernie and Carole Kent married on August 7, 1997 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Gilbert, MN. In the fall of 1997, Bernie and Carole opened another Jewelry store.Bernies Lapidary Supply Co.on North Broadway.Bernie never retired and worked until the day before he passed away.The store will continue without any changes except for our beloved Bernie. Bernie loved travel, fine wine and good food.He traveled extensively over the years to Europe, Asia, Canada, US and South America.He was always in search of the best oyster Rockefeller recipe and eventually did find it by developing his own. He loved going to his cabin and fishing with his fishing buddy, grandson Andre both at the small lake and Lake Superior.He held memberships in the Elks, Minnesota Jewelers Association, and Jewelers of America. Bernie was also a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. Bernie is survived by his wife Carole, sons, David (Norma) Kirckof, Rochester, Robert (Vicki) Kirckof, Cameron, WI, Daughter, Nancy (Gregg) Van Waes, Champlin, MN, sons, Gary (Lynn) Kirckof, Roseville, Paul Kirckof, Cameron WI and Donald Kirckof, Rochester.Two step daughters, Karla Dison and Lisa Rentz, Rochester. Nine grandchildren, Chris Kirckof, Duluth, Nate Kirckof, Appleton, WI, Adam Kirckof, Nick Kirckof, Roseville, Katie Kirckof, Rochester, Sydney, Riley, Andre Dison, and Dominic Rentz of Rochester. His siblings, Roger (Evelyn) Kirckof, Cameron, WI, Tom (Vivian) Kirckof, Sparks, NV, Florence (Glenn) Miller, White Bear Lake, Donna (Jerry) Harms, Oakdale, MN and several nieces and nephews.He is also survived by his many friends and wonderful staff at Bernie's. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home with Bernie's good friend Fr. Frank Perkovichofficiating.Visitation will be from 6-8 P.M.on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com