Kirk David Beckstein
September 28, 1959 ~ February 23, 2023
Kirk David Beckstein, 63, of Columbus, passed away on February 23, 2023, at the Silver Oaks Health Campus in Columbus, Indiana. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Eugene and Anne Beckstein on September 28, 1959. Kirk was united in marriage to Julie on May 11, 1996.
Kirk graduated from Indiana University and was a proud Hoosier. He later graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Master's Degree in Teaching. Early on, Kirk served as the Vice President of Sales for Visitec Company in Sarasota, Florida, and was the Senior Technical Training Developer for Cummins in Columbus, Indiana. He also was employed at Columbus North High School as Teacher’s Assistant. He was an active member at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church.
One of Kirk’s passions was adoption. He and Julie fostered, provided respite, and adopted many kids through the years. The goal was always to give kids the love and joy and belonging that they truly deserved. He was also a totally unique individual who didn’t mind standing out in a crowd (which he easily did at 6’4). He had a completely wicked sense of humor and loved classic rock and Monty Python. One of his last wishes was to leave this world with blue hair (thanks to our daughters Lizzi and Sarah). Kirk enjoyed anything mechanical, especially trucks and tractors, reading repair manuals, restoring sewing machines, rescuing cats, and going on cruises. He especially adored his beautiful mom, Anne, and proudly would admit to always having been a “Mama’s Boy.”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Julie, and their kids; Thomas, Henry, Rory, Samuel, Isaac, and Savannah, of Columbus, Indiana, Elizabeth and Sarah Eifel of Cleveland, Ohio; his parents Eugene and Anne Beckstein of Sarasota, Florida; his brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Lisa Beckstein and their children Graham and Carter of Sarasota; his sisters; Julie and Butch Ovens along with their children Matthew and Hunter and grandson Easton; Leslie and Russ Tilton and their children Brice and Hayley, also of Sarasota.
In keeping with Kirk’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. We ask that everyone please do at least one random act of kindness in honor of our Kirk. Let’s spread some good around the world!
Donations in Kirk’s honor may be directed through the funeral home to Love Without Boundaries as Foster Care and Adoption were near and dear to Kirk’s heart.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to leave a message of condolence to the family, and light a virtual candle of remembrance online at www.jewellrittman.com.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I met Kirk some years ago the smile he always had was warming to all. His heart was bigger than many I have known. Rest high on that mountain sir.
we almost met you and your wonderful family in Boston, but life and family come first. What a great loving life you had, pouring out the love to children who didn’t have that, you gave them love and strength. You are missed Kirk.
Ron Biglin/Fred Pepe
May God Welcome You Kirk David Beckstein with Smiles and open arms
We met Kirk one time. We are also in the adoption world. We met for dinner. Julie and I had been friends for a while, but this was the first time meeting Kirk and the kids.
We only met him once but gladly have a memory of Kirk to share. We brought our two young children to dinner. After dinner, we sat in the hotel lobby, just chatting. My daughter Tess, who was/is the least shy four year old on the planet, crawled into Kirk’s lap. I asked him a couple times if he wanted me to come get Tess off his lap. He just replied with “No, she’s just fine right here!” and then he hugged Tess.
Anyone who loves my kids, I love.
I’m so sorry Julie and kids. I am here if you need me.
We’ve known the Beckstein family since Thomas was 4 years old. Our kids grew up together when they lived in Lexington, SC. We were at their house many times and our boys played together. I remember when I couldn’t go on a field trip with my son and Julie said Kirk was going with thomas. They were in the same class. I was so relieved! I knew Kirk would take care of him. Kirk will be greatly missed. Hugging you Julie…
Very sweet guy always about family. He was full of love and joy Great father , Great husband , Great friend you would forever be missed we love you mr Kirk from the Mitchell family 💛💛💛💛
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Love to you all, Julie. ❤️ Rea
Rest in Peace Kirk. Though our time working together was short, your smile and graciousness always shined through and will be remembered.
I met Kirk at Silver Oaks while my husband was there last fall. He was a fascinating conversationalist who kept a positive outlook despite enduring episodes of pain. I enjoyed hearing about his adopted children and about one of his career experiences — training others how to maintain effective customer service. I admired his kindness and caring for others. I know his family will miss him.
Lit a candle in memory of Kirk David Beckstein
Julie, my sincerest condolences to you and your family on Kirk’s passing. I first met y’all when Thomas was 4! I can’t believe how time passes! Kirk was such a kind, compassionate and wickedly funny man. I always loved interacting with him. Love and blessings to all! Alisia Carey
I will always remember this man, he kept us guessing and on our toes with UNO playing with others, to being so kind over the phone to the kids when they called him and asked for advice. He always bragged on his beautiful wife, Julie and was extremely proud of all of his family. I got to meet each and every one of them and his parents and sisters and their spouses came in for a weekend. I especially thought it was a clever idea for “date night” with his wife arranging everything. I I will miss his quick wit and patient and caring attitude.
Sorry for your loss. Met Kirk at Silver Oaks and he was an angle for our mother. Not to many men would help an elder with dementia like he did. From feeding her to air kisses and even a simple hand shake would make her day and Kirk did all that. His smile was contagious. You could tell this man loved his family. Kirk will be missed but we will all have blessed memories of him.
Dear Gene and Anne, I didn’t know Kirk but anyone whose sense of humor includes ‘going out with blue hair’ must have been a wonderful guy. I’m sorry for your loss and may your memories comfort you during this time. God’s blessings always, Marianne Moyer
I never met Kirk in person, but we shared an interest in vintage sewing machines and first encountered him through the Vintage Elna Sewing Machines FaceBook group. Just last month he allowed a member to scan his Elna document collection and share them in our files section. He was so very helpful and kind to members there, and we will miss his comments and encouragement to the individual members of the group. Hopefully his many contributions will remain in perpetuity. Wish I had known of his health problems so I could have reached out to him personally and let him know my feelings, and thank him personally for his thoughtfulness. I will keep the family in my thoughts and pray for comfort.
Carol, in Tallahassee
Thoughts & Prayers Sympathy Gift Box was purchased for the family of Kirk David Beckstein.