John "Kirk" Buhre

Kirk was a hardworking man who loved his family, helping others, and chatting with anyone at any time. He could find out about someone’s grandchildren in line at the grocery store. And anyone who walked by the house became a friend.

He enjoyed playing golf, and many times he made regular future tee times with people he was paired with on the course. Winter was no reason to stop playing as long as it was clear and the sun was shining, he would be out on the course. Frozen Ground made the ball roll further too.

Kirk loved his two sons, three grandchildren, one wife, and six siblings. Working on his 1940s Chevy truck was a favorite also, one of the first things he did when we moved was remodel the garage so that his baby had a nice place to stay. Working on projects around the house was another of the things he enjoyed, he did not sit down much, new windows (thanks Tom) and a new kitchen (thanks Dan and Tome). He ran his own heating and air conditioning company, he really liked his customers and knew he was helping someone be comfortable and safe. Kirk loved growing up in California, serving his country in the Air Force, being stationed in Hawaii and moving to Colorado after he was honorably discharged. Being outdoors, hiking, and fishing was a joy for him.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, mean nasty diseases that take so much from you and your loved ones, but he did his best and got to enjoy the time spent with family and friends until a couple weeks before he died. He was cared for by his wife of 17 years, with love and humor (as much laughter as we could find). Thank you to Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado for their support and kind, compassionate care of Kirk.

Kirk is survived by his wife Susan Kurtenbach, sons Nick and Cory(Joylise), three grandchildren Briley, Ryker, and Blake. Nick and Cory’s mom Carmen. Brothers Rich(Cheryl), Tom(Leslie), Dan(Teresa), and Paul. Sisters Coleen(Roger) and Cyndi(Jeff). Also many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many friends. (Special shout out to Carol C. for her amazing support and friendship to Kirk.)