Adam Grant Kirsch
RONAN — Adam Grant Kirsch, 83, of Ronan, passed away peacefully at his home, Jan. 30, 2012, surrounded by his family. Adam was born Nov. 9, 1928, in Burnstad, North Dakota. His family moved to Ronan in 1938. Adam graduated from Ronan High School in 1946. In 1950, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving with the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force aboard the USS Sperry during the Korean War. After his discharge in 1954, Adam married his “first wife” of 57 years, Bonnie Jean Hoyt. They lived in California for two years while Adam worked at Treasure Island and then moved back to Montana in 1956 to run the family ranch.
Adam wore many hats. He began work at Don and Jerry Akers T.V. and Appliance shop and also worked for Petersen Real Estate. He was with Ronan State Bank for 46 years. Adam dabbled in the restaurant business at Allentown. He was also widely known for his butcher shop.
His accomplishments were many. He was one of the original Jaycees, became the president of the Ronan Jaycees, and then went on to become the state vice president. He was president of the Range Riders Saddle Club, president of the Mission Valley Heritage Association, March of Dimes and Boy Scout Fund Drive chairman, director of the Ag-Lenders Range School, president of the Sacred Heart Parish Council, on the board of directors at St. Luke’s Community Hospital and for six-plus years was chairman of Mission Valley Miracle, the organization charged with the construction of the St. Luke Extended Care Facility. He sponsored the Garden of the Rockies Museum and he was a member of the Elks Club, the Montana Angus Association, the Montana Stock Growers' Association and the National Cattlemen’s Association.
As a result of his passion for guiding in the Bob Marshall and hunting in Eastern Montana, he gathered many cherished friends along the way. Adam never knew a stranger and his friends were forever. His work ethic and love of family and friends have been passed down through generations. Adam was always armed with a “True Story” to share.
Adam was preceded in death by parents Frank and Edna Kirsch, his siblings: Curt, Bud, Mabel, Calvin, Walt, Mary Jane and Ruthie, grand-daughter Kaelyn and son-in-law, Wes Johnson.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughter Gina and son Kevin (Dana), his sister Gayle Booher of Portland Oregon and his grandchildren Tammy (Wes), Shon (Cathy), Josh (Tara), Jake (Tyanna), Kyla, Kindra, Declan and Christian, eight great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends, especially the “Lunch Boys.”
Adam was beloved by many and will be missed. A family mass was held in Ronan. As per Adam’s request, a celebration of Adam’s life will be planned for this summer. Memorials may be made in Adam’s honor to the Ronan VFW, 35981 Round Butte Rd, or Garden of the Rockies Museum, 400 Round Butte Rd, both in Ronan.
