In Memory of Wesley Eugene Kirkholm

Wesley Eugene Kirkholm, age 85, of South San Francisco, California, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center of Oakland, California.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen -Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

 

Wesley Eugene Kirkholm of San Francisco, California, formerly from Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023, after a long illness. 

Born on March 29, 1938, in Battle Creek, Iowa, Wesley was the son of Jens and Gladys (Crawford) Kirkholm. The family moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, where Wesley received his education graduating from Ida Grove High School with the class of 1956. He went on to further his education at Morningside College of Sioux City, Iowa, where he graduated with a degree in Medical Technology in 1963.  Following graduation he moved to South San Francisco, California, working at UCSF Hospital until retiring in 2000.

Wesley loved to travel and was also intrigued by culture, history and collecting. To quote a friend, Richard Wagner of San Francisco describes Wesley’s passion for traveling and collecting as follows, “Wesley leaves behind many beloved relatives in Iowa and even more beloved friends all over the world. He spent much time in Thailand and London following his love for snuff bottles and Bencharong Chinese Porcelain. He had quite a collection and his knowledge of created opportunities as an invited speaking guest at gatherings of collectors. His light will shine forever in our hearts.”

Family was important to Wesley and he returned to Iowa each year for sibling reunions and visiting other relatives. He also enjoyed taking family on tours of San Francisco ending with a visit to Mrs. See’s Candy Shop.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister Antia Nichols; brother Stan (Bonnie) Kirkholm; sister Eunice Kirkholm; several nieces and nephews; dear friend Jiandong Zhang (Dr. J.D.) and a host of friends in San Francisco.

Wesley was preceded in death by his parents Jens and Gladys Kirkholm; sister Donna (Don) Brown; brother-in-law Don Nichols; nephews Scott Nichols and Mark Kirkholm.

He will be missed by many.