Kay Ilene Kirk

Kay Ilene Kirk (Johnson) passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024 after a short illness. Kay was 85 years of age. Kay was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on November 1, 1939 to parents Susie Ellen and John Lawrence Johnson. She grew up in Lincoln, graduating from Lincoln High in 1957.

Kay held many positions in Lincoln, mostly as a bookkeeper, but she was most proud of her job as a wife and mother.

Kay was united in marriage to Esley Joseph Kirk on November 10, 1961. Together they raised three children. Kay and Esley shared 58 years of marriage before Esley was laid to rest in December 2019.

Kay enjoyed making ceramic figurines, many of which she gifted to friends and family. Kay and Esley spent many summers at Rainbow Lake in Fremont, NE where they enjoyed boating, fishing, and relaxing with friends and neighbors. After retiring, they enjoyed camping and RVing, spending winters in southern Texas.

Kay loved many fur babies over the years including her beloved Bichon, Casey, and more recently her rescue dog, Buddy. She also enjoyed watching the birds at her feeder - especially cardinals which held a special place in her heart.

Kay is survived by her son, Jeffery (Linda) Bargar of Grand Island, NE; daughter, Lynn (David) Sabalka of Gilroy, CA; and son, Steven (Renee) Kirk of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Allison, Kirk (Ashley), and Kyley Sabalka, Elizabeth (Levi) Wiseman, Katie (Jared) Blackwell and Spencer, Logan (Mariah), and MaKenna Kirk; great-grandchildren, Gideon and Virginia Wiseman, along with Sawyer and Elliana Blackwell.

Private family funeral will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials can be made in Kay's name to Capital Humane Society or the American Lung Association.