Lionel Lewis "Doc" Kirsch, 54, Sturgis, died Sunday, May 18, 2014, at his home in Sturgis following a 6 year struggle with congestive heart failure. Doc was a fighter. He never wanted to give up and he never did.

Doc was born November 10, 1959, to Gordon and Helen (Hansen) Kirsch in Pierre, SD. He attended many schools as family moved often. They finally settled in Sturgis. He attended school at Sturgis Brown High School. This is where he met his soon to be wife, Amber Lynn Allen. They had a daughter, Shannon, in October of 1978. They were married in November of 1978. Just under four years later, he had his second child, Kacee, in 1982. During this time he was working at Merillat in Rapid City. He worked there for over 15 years. Doc moved onto a job at Texaco, driving truck for a couple ofyears.

In 2001, he had his first grandchild on his birthday, Chevelle Danae.

Doc then started logging. He was a crane operator. This was by far his favorite job. But, in 2007, Doc suffered a heart attack. He became disabled at this time. In March of 2008, he was blessed with his second grandchild, Lucas Scott, which he always called "Monkeyman." From here, Doc became more ill. He suffered a massive heart attack in September 2013. He never fully recovered from this. His family took care of him for many years. His daughter, Shannon, was his main caretaker. She would do anything for her dad.

Doc made friends very easily. He was outgoing and had many friends from all over the world; Australia, Milan, and many other exotic places. He will always be remembered for his smile, sense of humor, and his easy way of making friends where ever he went.

Doc was a jack of all trades. He could do just about anything he put his mind to. Buthis most recent job was his favorite, logging. He loved running his crane. He was proud of all the work he had done for the community.

Doc had many interests. He worked on cars, pickups, and bikes. He loved his trains and was a collector of all things cool, odd, unique, and antique. He displayed his treasures with pride. He spent many hours with his friends, family, and his dog, Brandy.

Survivors include his daughters, Shannon (Terry) Hudson, Sturgis, and Kacee (Scott Burnham) Kirsch, Belle Fourche; mother, Helen Kirsch, Sturgis; grandchildren, Lucas, Chevelle, and Katlynn, Sturgis; two brothers, William (Brenda) Kirsch, Pringle, SD, and Kevin Kirsch, Custer, SD; sisters, Shelley (Gary) Budish, Park River, ND, and Leslie (Al Aries) Bertolotto, Sturgis.

He was preceded in death by his father and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com .

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