Kirk Minkie, 63, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after fighting with the long-term side effects in his battle with cancer that started in 1996… He was a true warrior that never gave up even though he was faced with many health challenges along the way.

Kirk was born in Freeport to Roger and Trudy Minkie, on July 21, 1962. He graduated from Orangeville High School with the class of 1980. His deepest love was his family. Kirk married Cynthia LaFurge on November 18, 1989, in the Victorian Village in Rockford. Their sons, Cory and Kale, were the center of his world!

Kirk never missed a baseball game, football game or wrestling meet. When the family wasn’t running to a sporting event, they loved to travel, go camping, and throw the occasional fishing pole in the water!

Kirk started driving a milk truck when he was just 16 years old, with his dad, Roger, who started and owned Minkie Trucking for more than 50 years! Kirk took over the business when Roger retired.

The blood, sweat and tears that were poured into that business by both of them is only understood by fellow milk haulers & farmers they did business with… Kirk loved driving truck and took so much pride in his work.

Kirk was a true foodie and loved to cook. He also loved to hop in the car, (or jump on a plane!) to go to his favorite concerts! Music was his happy place 🎶

He was always the life of the party and a guy who loved to have a good time!

He will be missed terribly by his family: his wife Cindy Minkie, his two sons, Cory (Lindsey) Minkie, & Kale (Edie) Minkie & his five grandchildren, Cali, Kelsie, Kara, Parker & Paxson who he loved dearly!

Other survivors include his mother, Trudy (Oma) Minkie, and brother Jim (Sue) Minkie.

He is also survived by his In-laws, Bob (Judy) LaFurge, sister-in-law, Loreen MacDonald, brother-in-law, Bob (Deb) LaFurge and many nieces and nephews. Proceeding him in death were his father, Roger Minkie, mother-in-law, Barbara Afflerbaugh, and brother-in-law, Dave MacDonald.

According to Kirk’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Red Barn on Shady View Rd (8722 N Shady View Rd Dakota, IL 61018) from 4-9pm.