Michael R. Van Kirk, 79, of Enon Valley, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 6, 2026, following an extended illness.
Michael was born on September 26, 1946, to the late Robert Wayne and Hilda Mae Connors Van Kirk. He retired from United Local Schools after 40 years as a high school math teacher. He was a graduate of the former Northwestern High School in Darlington, PA and then from Slippery Rock University. Michael spent his life on the farm bailing hay, cutting firewood, and loved his horses. He was known for breeding prize winning horses in Pennsylvania and selling and buying horses in surrounding states and throughout the country. Michael was an active and lifelong member of the American Quarter Horse Association and in 2024 was inducted into the Illinois Quarter Horse Association’s Hall of Fame for his prize winning Staccaro AQHA Stallion.
Michael is survived by two sons, Jason (Karri) Van Kirk of Dalton, OH and Jared (Julie) Van Kirk of Enon Valley, four grandchildren, Jaban, Kayla, and Josephine Van Kirk and step-grandson R.J. Magno.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Elma Van Kirk, sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Harry Dillan, sister and brother-in-law Marge and Dick Kroskey, and nephew Kevin Dillan.
Visiting hours will be on Saturday January 10, 2026, from 11 am until 1 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St. Wampum. Interment will be in Beaver Falls Cemetery in Beaver Falls, PA.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
We were great friends in the 1960 and 70s. Teaching at Northwestern and riding trains. Great adventures. Lots of fun.
Michael was very welcoming and kind to me when I went to United Local as a new teacher. I pray that happy memories of him will comfort his loved ones.
Mary VanBuren
Mr. Van Kirk was my favorite teacher at United Local. He was kind and had a fantastic sense of humor. My favorite memory was the “Logic & Critical Thinking” class that he taught. It shoulder me how to look at both sides of the issues we would debate. He made me more logical. Rest in peace Mr Van Kirk.
So sad to see this. Mr. VanKirk was one of the great teachers I had at United Local Schools which I was in the graduating class of 1983. I always liked him and enjoyed his math class. RIP
Mr. VanKirk was one of my favorite teachers at United!! I had him for several math classes and he was my Driver’s Ed teacher. He was an exceptional teacher. RIP. My sympathy to his family.
Great teacher who shared a lit of life wisdom – RIP Mr V!!!
Mr. Van Kirk was one of my favorite teachers and I thought of him often throughout my own math teaching career.