Fredrick "Rick" William Kirchberg

Fredrick “Rick” William Kirchberg, 76, passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2022 after a short battle with mesothelioma. He was born on July 17, 1946 in Sylva, NC to Dr. Roy William Kirchberg and Geneva Tate Kirchberg.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Carol; son Zachary; and brothers Dr. Roy Kirchberg Jr. and Randy Kirchberg; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sheila Kirchberg Cowan.

Rick attended The McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN and Sylva-Webster High School in Sylva before earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies and Education at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. He taught Junior High School in Statesville for several years and then taught at West Charlotte High School for several years. He earned a Master of Arts in Special Education Administration at Appalachian State University in Boone. He worked for ASU as an Infield Coordinator and Instructor for the ASU Special Education Certification Program. He then moved to the Regional Support and Technical Assistance Center in Albemarle and provided regional consultation on NC Department of Public Instruction policies and regulations for children with special needs.

He retired early to be a stay-at-home Dad, and began writing on topics exploring his faith. He wrote many curriculums to be used for Bible study. In his faith journey, he learned about Centering Prayer -- a method of silent prayer which deepens our relationship with God. Six years ago, Rick volunteered to lead a new Centering Prayer group at Morning Star Lutheran Church. He wrote programs for the group to use in their weekly sessions and facilitated the sessions until his health declined.

Rick was a voracious reader of history, science fiction, and spiritual topics. He loved watching movies and sports, especially football -- which he played in high school. About 35 years ago, Rick started a football pool for the Kirchberg extended family based on the college football playoffs -- the Frankfurter. Even those not interested in football have participated. As much as he studied the football stats, Second Place was as close as he came to winning the Frankfurter.. However, he never got the mustard (last place). Rick also was in a family Fantasy Football league. His team, Rick’s Rocks, was the 2020 Champion.

Rick was one of the founding members of the ROMEOs -- Retired Old Men Eating Out. He looked forward to the weekly breakfasts and fellowship. For the ROMEO road trips, Rick researched the history of the places visited and shared it in the trip document. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and bird watching. He had big plans this summer to expand his bird houses, add a bird bath, and grow a variety of tomatoes.

A Memorial Service will be held at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Matthews, NC

11:00AM Saturday, August 20, 2022 

visitation preceding the service from 10-11:00AM

Memorials may be made to Morning Star Lutheran Church

&

Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region.

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