Michael R. Van Kirk

Michael R. Van Kirk, 79, of Enon Valley, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 6, 2026, following an extended illness.

Michael was born on September 26, 1946, to the late Robert Wayne and Hilda Mae Connors Van Kirk. He retired from United Local Schools after 40 years as a high school math teacher. He was a graduate of the former Northwestern High School in Darlington, PA and then from Slippery Rock University. Michael spent his life on the farm bailing hay, cutting firewood, and loved his horses. He was known for breeding prize winning horses in Pennsylvania and selling and buying horses in surrounding states and throughout the country. Michael was an active and lifelong member of the American Quarter Horse Association and in 2024 was inducted into the Illinois Quarter Horse Association's Hall of Fame for his prize winning Staccaro AQHA Stallion.

Michael is survived by two sons, Jason (Karri) Van Kirk of Dalton, OH and Jared (Julie) Van Kirk of Enon Valley, four grandchildren, Jaban, Kayla, and Josephine Van Kirk and step-grandson R.J. Magno.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Elma Van Kirk, sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Harry Dillan, sister and brother-in-law Marge and Dick Kroskey, and nephew Kevin Dillan.

Visiting hours will be on Saturday January 10, 2026, from 11 am until 1 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St. Wampum. Interment will be in Beaver Falls Cemetery in Beaver Falls, PA.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com