I just was informed of Kirk's passing today.  He was a God fearing man who gave and gave of himself to others in need.   After my first husband left me with two girls, I was so distraught and did not know what to do.  He listened to me and my story and comforted me during my time of troubles.  He would often pray with me.  I was left with debt and Kirk was so, so generous in still treating me and would take payment of whatever I could pay.  Sometimes that was nothing.   He still wanted my body "in tune".  He would always greet me with a huge smile and a comment of me owning stock in his practice because I had been going to him for so long.
Kirk you are missed so much but I understand that you were ready.
I just wish I could have found out when you were sick.  I would have cherished a last huge hug from you.  Till we meet again.  Kris Ruff

What a wonderful celebration of life we had today! We shared stories and laughter in honor of a wonderful man. Our whole family appreciates all the unique gifts he shared with each one of us. The turnout was a testament to the love he left behind and a celebration of his trust in his Heavenly Father.  We are sad to see him leave but joyous to know he is at peace. Sending love to those left behind,
 Mary Jo & family

I began seeing Dr. Steketee for chiropractic care in 2009/2010 when my mother was sick. He saw me through my late single mother’s passing until he’d retired. I didn’t see him again for years until a year or so ago (and on a regular basis)! 

I feel blessed to have gotten to reconnect with him before his time. He was such a kind, fun, friendly, warm spirit. In my younger days, he’d call me, New York and, “strong, gentle life force,” when I’d arrive for my appointments. Doc had a way of seeing right through me. 

He was such a special soul. Thank you Nancy for sharing the news of his condition last I saw you. I send love, light, and comfort to you and your family. May your memories and one another keep you warm, 

Amy Yik

One of the most tremendous men I've ever known. Loved God, prayed often.  He was my doctor for nearly 30 years.  He was always genuinely interested in you as a person and remembered all you talked about. He prayed with me when I was having difficulty as a chiropractor. Lovely person.  Truly sorry for your loss 🙏😔

Thinking of you Nancy and your family.   Our prayers are with you now and in the days to come.  Kirk was a very special person and treated everyone as a friend.   Hold on to all your special memories and cherished moments together.

Deepest sympathy to Nancy and the family. Doc was a great guy I met through Rolling Thunder, he always greeted people with a hug and that great smile he always showed. I know he will be missed by hundreds of people. Till we all meet again Doc.

My heart goes out to Nancy and her family with the loss of one Great man. Kirk was my very first experience with chiropractic treatments, and he was a wonderful Doctor. I Loved Kirk’s big smile for everyone whenever you would see him. I have known Nancy most of my life, and her and Kirk were the real thing❤️ he will be missed by so many, but I am sure he is smiling down at everyone. Prayers go out to Nancy and family 🙏

He was a wonderful man and chiropractor, he helped me many times over the years. I worked in the same building where he had his practice when I worked for Dr.  Visser. His children grew up before my eyes, I assisted their dental visits when they were just little kids, now they're fine young adults. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the rest of the family💞🙏

Kirk always made sure that kids participated in the outdoors. Thanks for making Reed City Deer Camp something to look forward too every fall. Miss you Doc.

I'm so sorry to hear this! He was a wonderful man and I cared about him so much! He went beyond being my Chiropractor. He was like a Grandpa, an uncle, a friend! He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. RIP steketee! I'll remember you always! Thanks for everything

Here’s the last picture we’ll have of you dear friend! You were with your buddies (missing a few😥) also with your grandsons! Also with you Cresta, but you took the picture of all the guys so you didn’t get on it!😥 Doc you weren’t feeling 100 percent that day, but yet you drove out! So glad! Then again the following Sunday when we walked out in the back and saw Nancy outside, so we stopped over to say hi! I was so glad we did, I got my last hug from you that day!😥 Doc you were always so happy go lucky, and a jokester, making us chuckle. We loved it when you and Nancy would stop out, or even your stops just to hang out with Verl! You were a dear friend who already is dearly missed! We know life will never be the same without you, but you were ready at the end. The pain finally got ya, and it was time for you to Run to Jesus! You will leave a huge hole in so many hearts, but knowing you are riding those motor cycles or better yet those horses in the sky, makes us smile! You are leaving your family a beautiful Legacy, you fought for your country (so sorry that’s what gave you your cancer!😥) And you knew Jesus and wasn’t afraid to tell others about your Salvation! Our hearts break for the living now, we know how hard it is to lose our loved ones. But just knowing God has a plan and we’re all apart of it, and just knowing someday he’ll call us home too and we also will see you and all of our loved ones again! 🙏Nancy, Cresta & Lance & family, & Josh & Daisha  & family, you all have our sympathy, love and prayers! ❤️🙏 Also one more thing, I’ll never forget Doc’s face & smile when I asked him about meeting his new great grandbaby Oliver! He was just beaming with so much love! Hailey & Troy you’ll need to keep  GG alive with pictures and memories! ❤️ We love you guys, you are all in our prayers,
Big Hugs & Prayers, 
Love, Vicky & Verl, &
Chase & Cassie & Violet & Mason Bleeker❤️🙏

Dear Nancy and family:
 We are sad that Kirk has left us but joyful he is now in the presence of our Lord Jesus. He will be missed for many reasons but it was his tireless energy , his beaming smile and especially his love for all that stood out.  We send a final salute and heartfelt prayer to our good friend Dr Kirk. 
Love, Tom and Kathy Kiley

Doc was a good man, he had faith, he showed love well! I was 10 and he was my chiropractor he would say ok, he comes the popcorn and crack my back,, he was so wonderful,. 
I'm a waitress at Jame's street inn, he came every Tuesday with his guys, Ron,Jim, Terry, ed, verle, and many more, he is and will be so missed , all my love and daily prayers , till we all meet again in His presence 💓

When I became a Kolean in-law, I gained the Steketee clan as "cousins-in-law". They were all, and always, welcoming and friendly, so it was impossible to choose a favorite!

But Kirk gave me important advice at my first Steketee/Knoll/Kolean Christmas, playing Chinese Checkers with Shirley & Margie (Kolean)...to keep an eye on them because they might cheat! 😉

I will miss him, his humor and friendliness, and am sorry for the loss and grief his family & friends are feeling.

Murray K. Leshner
Holland

Nancy and Steketee family,
 I never saw Dr Kirk without a beaming smile on his face and I know he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and son as well as a great friend to many.  
My first memories of Dr Kirk will always be of the little "jail" in his office on James Street where he gave my brother therapy for his speech development and other problems. He had a way of putting my brother at ease and made every visit fun for both my brother and myself. He did this  for free for many years and the benefits of his services are immeasurable to the quality of my brothers life- he made a huge impact that made life for my brother, mother and myself so much better! 
He was one of those special and rare people who genuinely cared about people and he never judged or looked down upon anyone. He made the world a better place for everyone and he will always have my respect and gratitude. He was " one of the good ones" my grandma always said and that sentiment was as true then as it is now and will always be. 
Nancy-
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. 
M. Wilson

Kirk was always a true warrior for our great profession.  He was one of the first chiropractors I met at my first state convention when I was a new graduate. I can still feel his passion and enthusiasm as he shared what our profession meant and what my duty was as a Chiropractor.  He is a big reason I got involved with our state association.  With all you’ve done, you have definitely left our profession in a far better place, than when you  arrived on the scene in Michigan!  Well done sir!
To the family, please know you are in our thots and prayers in this difficult time.  May you find peace knowing Kirk was a good and faithful servant!!

I was so sad to hear of Dr Kirk passing.  I thought of him as I watched the Memorial Day Parade.  One year when  he marched in a parade, (sadly I don't remember which one), we saw each other and he momentarily left the parade to give me a hug.  I was a patient of his when his office was in his garage on 136th.   He called me his guinea pig since I was one his 1st patients.  I will miss his smile and just his presence on this earth.  Til we meet again.

We are so heartbroken to hear of Kirk's passing. He was such a good doctor and friend through many, many years. Always a compassionate and forthright person who had time for everyone. His smile will be missed. Rest in peace in heaven's beauty Kirk.
Cal and Marge Overway

Doc was a dedicated member of Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4.  His dedication and devotion to our Military Veterans will never be forgotten by us.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of a Chiropractic champion.   Like Dr. Kirk, we both graduated from Palmer (in 74 & 75) and began our practice in SW Michigan in 1976.   He was an encourager--perpetually positive, enthusiastic, and always with a good word for each person and occasion.   Our sincere condolences to all the Steketee family.   Our prayers are with you.

We are saddened  to learn about Kirk’s passing. He will be missed by many! Our thoughts and prayers go out for Nancy and the entire Steketee family. 
What a great friend and a true gem in my life. You are already missed my friend.
Don and Susan Reno

Chandra and I were so sad to learn that Kirk had passed!  We both loved him,  his smile that lit up the room!  He truly cared about everyone!  I was reminded today that I had been a “patient” since he was working out of your home on 136th!  That was a long time ago!  We will be keeping you, Nancy and your family in our prayers!  Kirk impacted a lot of students at West Ottawa too!  He will be missed!

Mary & Chandra Shafer

Sorry to hear about Dr Kirk. He was our Dr for years. It was a pleasure to go to him, he would always ask how we and our kids were doing. We sure missed him when he retired. Our condolences to the family. God bless!

Nancy, Maureen and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones.Dr. Kirk was one of the Best Chiropractors I have had the honor and privilege to have in my life for all these years. He was a Beacon of light for all of us.The very Best Friend and colleague. My Dad would say he was a GG and FF. (Good Guy and Fine Fellow) His smile and happy greetings will be missed Dr. Kirk left a Hell of Legacy. Take Care, love to you Dr. Dan Judge

We were so very sorry to hear about Kirk. We didn't see him often but he was always such a great person to be around. My mom was very close to his family and shared some special memories with me. I'm so glad I had a very recent encounter with him and had a chance to catch up a bit. We will miss his smile and embracing personality. 

Our deepest sympathy,
Dick & Marilyn Witvoet

I am so sorry and sad to hear of Dr. Steketee's passing.  He was an inspiring person, focused on his goals for the chiropractic profession, and just being around him was motivating.  He was always in a good mood and had a way to make me feel important and that I could make a difference as well.  He was one of the good guys.  He cared and he demonstrated love towards his friends and community.  He was a pleasure to run into at conventions.  Always asking how I was and what's new.  All offices of chiropractic should fly their flags at half mask.  We lost a giant here.  He did and achieved so much for us .    We owe him continued respect and not to forget what he has accomplished to make our individual lives better.  Rest in peace may friend.  And thank you for being you and all that you have done to make our world a better place.

We are heartbroken and saddened with Kirk's passing and hope and pray you find comfort knowing that our loving Lord has Kirk in the palm of His hand. Your amazing husband and  our old chiro friend lived a phenomenal giving and loving dash.
Blessings to you and your family,
Art & Kris Durham & family

So extremely saddened by this news. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Nancy & family for your devastating loss. May you find comfort from Dr. Kirk's amazing legacy left with family, friends, patients and the profession. There is so much love and support being sent your way by so many in honor and reflection of the magnitude of Dr. Kirk's life on this earth.

Nancy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Kirk's passing. I am so thankful that I was able to spend time with Kirk and you a few summers ago.  He was a wonderful person. I am thinking of you and all your family in this time of mourning. My prayer would be that God give you comfort and peace as the days go on. 
   I love you all
Gail Mathis Norris

Nancy,

Thank you for sharing Kirk with the world.  He did so much for Chiropractic.  I enjoyed his light and all the wonderful changes he made for the profession.  He had a grand vision and a caring heart.  I consider it an honor to have known him, and shared time around a fire with him.

Douglas Lynes, D.C.

The Barton’s
The first time I heard Kirk speak was At Point West in Holland when I was still in College.  He and Dr Barry M spoke about their experiences in Viet Nam.  I never forgot the pictures.  We as a family always appreciated how Kirk could turn a 2 minute announcement into a 30 educational lecture.  You will be missed both as a person and an advocate for our profession 
Thanks for always being you
The Barton Chiropractic Family 🙏✝️

Dear Nancy and family
Jerry and I send our sincere condolences to all of you. We loved Kirk! He was a
 wonderful person, always caring, fun and helped us out many times with his chiropractic care!  Always took time for us. He was a wonderful classmate too!! 
We won't forget him!
Praying for all of you!!

Diane Bos

What a special person, I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Kirk's passing.  He was a legend in our profession and a truly gifted healer.  I have so many wonderful memories of the Steketee family growing up, Dr. Kirk was always such a fun Dad! Nancy, Cresta, Josh, and family sending lots of love and prayers during this unthinkable time. 
With Love,
Betzi Alfieri

So sorry to hear Kirk has passed away. He was one Doctor I always looked forward to going to visit. He was one cool cat and straightened me out more than once. Always up beat in his chiropractor position. Thoughts and prayers to the family. 
Rip Doc.  ❤️ 

Todd Alofs aka. Smoke

Dear Nancy and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of your husband, father, and loved one. Kirk was one of the finest people I've ever known. When he was our president he worked so hard to get our chiropractic groups to unite, but was met with resistance from both sides. I never understood the continued resentment toward other friends, and colleagues. At one meeting he said something that I've never forgot. He said harden your hearts toward your brothers and sisters on an attempt to show our group that there is a better and more productive approach. He will be dearly missed buy all who were lucky enough to be in his universe.
Sincerely, 
Larry and Debra Doran.

I am so grateful that Kirk and Nancy were both such a huge part of my childhood/teen years!  I spent more time at their house then I did at home for a lot of those years.    There are so many wonderful memories - I couldn't possibly capture them all here!
Nancy, Cresta, Josh and families - my heart hurts for all of you.  Doc was a wonderful man to so many!  He will live forever through all of you!
Rest in Peace Kirk - you are loved and will be missed!!
JoLynn

OBITUARY

Dr. Kirk J Steketee

August 29, 1950 – May 28, 2024

Lakeshore Memorial Services

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