Kirklan Rori Groenig Obituary (1956

KIRKLAN RORI GROENIG Our beloved Kirk passed way February 18, 2015 at home in Ellensburg, WA surrounded by family into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father, after a three year battle with bone cancer. Kirk showed great strength and never abandoning his faith and never showing fear. Throughout his journey he talked about how much he loved everyone and lived life to the fullest. Born February 4, 1956, he was raised in Prosser, Ellensburg, Lower Naches and Yakima areas. Kirk attended a two room schoolhouse (Damman) in Ellensburg in the early grades and later graduated from Naches Valley High School in 1974 near the top of his class. Kirk was raised in the Yakima rural area with his 3 siblings and there was always plenty of work to do on the fruit ranch where he learned to work hard. It was this work ethic that ultimately defined his life. Kirk was a hard working individual and owned and operated his own financial business for many years. He could be stubborn but had a heart of gold, was a caring person and was always working on projects even in the last months of his life. Kirk enjoyed working and riding on motorcycles, restoring old cars and putting the pedal to the metal, taking family and friends out boating. He so loved his country and defended his view on politics, founding the Central Washington Tea Party. He loved to make a person laugh with his jokes or storytelling. He had many passions in life especially his walk with Jesus and spending time with family. Kirk married Judy Pozarich in Yakima in 1978. The couple had a son Shawn and daughter Christine. During these years he coached AAU Basketball, was a 10 year member of Kiwanis, 5 year member of Lions Club, Chair of March of Dimes, Selah Chamber President and President of NAIFA. In 2003, Kirk married Lisa Kuntz . Together they built a home in Ellensburg overlooking the Kittitas Valley, which was Kirk's final resting place. When Kirk was diagnosed with cancer, his prognosis was very bleak but love for his family moved him to courageously fight as hard as he could to extend the time with them. His courageous and selflessness are an example to those he left behind. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Lisa Groenig of Ellensburg; son Shawn Groenig (Ginger) of Selah; daughter Christine (Halen) Groenig; sister Jenny (Ron) Mansfield; brother Kraig (Lori) Groenig all of Yakima and his precious grandchildren Joslyn and Liam Groenig. Stepson Jesse (Shelly) Kuntz of Redding, CA; stepdaughter Shannen Kuntz of Yakima, whom he loved as his own. He is also survived by his father-in-law Mel Tanasse; in-laws Joe (Carol) Tanasse; Bob (Vicki) Tanasse; Melanie (Jamie) Day; Pat (Cindy) Tanasse; his mother Velrae Shiner all of Yakima and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Lowell and older sister Kimberly Ann. Kirk, you were such an amazing, wonderful, kind and loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. You will be deeply missed but will remain in our hearts of family, friends and so many loved ones. You loved all of us so dearly and were always there for us until the end. A special thank you to KVCH Hospice and Hospice Friends for their caring, understanding and dedication to the finals day of Kirk's life. Per Kirk's request there will be no service. A Celebration of Everlasting Life will be conducted on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Elks Lodge in Selah from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. SERVICES Funeral service Wednesday, February 25, 2015 3:00 PM Elks Lodge (Selah) Golf Course Road Selah, WA 98942