Dennis Kirchmann

September 5, 1939 - December 31, 2017

Professor Dennis G. Kirchmann, 78, of Eminence, peacefully passed away at 9:00 a.m., on Sunday, December 31, 2017, in the comfort of his own home. He was born on September 5, 1939 in Fremont, Nebraska to Harry and Marjorie (Nelson) Kirchmann. Dennis was raised in Dodge County and graduated from Fremont High School in 1957. An honorable veteran, he served in the United States Navy from 1957-1960. Dennis earned his B.A. degree from Hastings College, where he was named Outstanding Art Student for 1969; an M.A. from Fort Hays Kansas State College in 1970; and an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa in 1972. During the 1970s he was an Instructor in Art at the University of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Art Center. While employed at Union Pacific Railroad, he was introduced to a fellow co-worker at a New Year’s Eve Party in 1963 and was united in marriage with Connie Gregerson on August 28, 1965. Prior to moving to their current residence in Eminence, the Kirchmanns resided in Waverly for 18 years. They were blessed with a son, Daniel, in 1981. A well-known Indiana ceramic artist, Dennis actively participated in solo and group exhibitions throughout the Midwest and remains in the permanent collections of the Hewitt Association, the University of Iowa, Evansville Museum of Arts and Science, and the Art Association of Richmond, among many others. A craftsman of genuine artistry, Dennis approached his work from both sculptural and functional standpoints. With production as his primary focus, Dennis ensured a use to each decorative piece that he constructed. A reputable mentor, he kept in touch with former students. A social, determined, problem solver, Dennis was gifted with self-confidence and strength. He took great pride in doing things on his own. Excelling in various remodeling projects around his beautifully crafted A-frame home, he enjoyed turning his dreams to reality and specialized in building model railroads, pottery, woodworking, printmaking, and photography. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry J. Kirchmann. Survivors include his loving wife, Connie Kirchmann of Eminence; son, Daniel Kirchmann (wife, Emily) of Indianapolis; mother, Marjorie Kirchmann of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Jennifer Kirchmann of Omaha and brother, Frederic Kirchmann (wife, Connie) of Raleigh, North Carolina; two nephews, Eric and Scott; five great nieces and nephews; and adored grandson, Isaac Christopher Kirchmann. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A memorial gathering and reception to celebrate the life of Dennis Kirchmann will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to WFYI, 1630 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 or online at https://www.wfyi.org/memorial-and-tribute-gifts . To share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence, or light a candle in his memory visit www.lightmemorial.com.