Jeffrey Kirkner 1968-2021
PAINESVILLE — Jeffrey Kirkner, 53, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021. He was born in Green Township on March 6, 1968, to Patrick and JoAnn Kirkner, both deceased.
Jeff was a loyal fan of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and a daily reader of the South Bend Tribune. He also was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns. He was a proud employee of the Indians Loge Concessions during the 1995-1997 championship years. He was a 1986 graduate of South Range High School in Canfield and a 1990 graduate of Bowling Green State University. He was married to his beloved wife in 2006. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and exploring from Hawaii to the Arctic Circle.
He was a friend to all and stranger to none.
He began his civil service as a social worker in Trumbull County, then moved to the EMS at Lane Ambulance and Youngstown Fire Department. He joined the Eastlake Fire Department in 1999, where he was promoted to lieutenant in 2011. Jeff was a passionate smoking cessation instructor at the Metro Health Medical Center. He was an integral part of the safety of the community as a member of the fire department’s technical rescue team, water rescue / dive team, training division, and the head of the public education division. He was recognized and awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2012, Lake County Blue Coat Award Winner in 2009 and three unit citations.
He is survived by his soulmate, Christina Sutch Kirkner; his father and mother-in-law, Alan and Donna Sutch; his siblings, MaryAnn (Brett) Baxter, Mike (Kaitlyn) Kirkner, Beverly (William) Goings, Greg (Molly) Kirkner and Julie (Kevin) Kirsh; and his nieces and nephews, Brett Jr., Stephanie, Nick, JoAnn, Jordan and Jacob.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Scott Sutch; and his sister-in-law, Jackie Kirkner.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 9, 2021, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Monreal Srnick Funerals and Cremations, 35400 Curtis Blvd., Eastlake.
Services for Jeffrey Kirkner will be held Friday, April 9, 2021, at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggests donations be made in Jeff’s name to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185 St., Cleveland, OH 44110, and / or the Eastlake Firefighters Association, 35150 Lakeshore Blvd., Eastlake, OH 44095.
(special notice)