Police officer Joseph S. Kirkpatrick, Jr. of Elkhorn, 56, passed to eternal life on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020 at his residence.
He was born on Sept. 23, 1963 to Edna (nee Shepard) and the late Lee Gauger. Joe married Sheri Pack on Feb. 27, 2001 in Elkhorn.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sheri; was a devoted father to Ammie (Matt) Maise, Travis Kirkpatrick, Alicia Kirkpatrick, Zac Simon and Paighton Kirkpatrick; proud Papa to Maison, Maia and Maddox, precious son of Edna; son-in-law of Sharlyn Dunaway; and brother of Dan Kirkpatrick. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, many friends and many fellow law enforcement brothers and sisters.
Officer Kirkpatrick proudly served as a law enforcement officer serving at Big Foot State Park, Village of Walworth Police Department and as an EMT on the Elkhorn Area Rescue. He was a 25-year veteran of the City of Elkhorn Police Department, serving the past 15 years as the department’s school resource officer at Elkhorn Area High School where he positively impacted the lives of countless children throughout his career.
A public visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Elkhorn Area High School Field House, 482 E. Geneva St. in Elkhorn. Attendees are asked to follow the current public health order mandate in regards to the COVID-19.
Law enforcement officers are invited to join their fellow brothers and sisters in blue for a final salute and last call for Officer Kirkpatrick following the visitation.
A private family service with burial will be held on Friday.
The family is asking anyone Officer Kirkpatrick impacted during their life bring a written story to the funeral to be used to create a scrapbook for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial in his name can be made to Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter or to the family to be used at a later date for an education fund to be established for youth of the area.
Betzer and Steinke-Lazarczyk Family Funeral Homes are serving the Kirkpatrick family.
