Obituary: Emily Kirkeby

Emily Ann Kirkeby, 60, was born on January 11, 1952, in Worthington, MN, the daughter of the late John and Arla (Johnson) Kirkeby. She grew up in Worthington and graduated from Worthington High School in 1971. While in high school, she was given the John Philip Sousa Band Award by her peers in the WHS Marching Band because of her leadership and dedication to music. She was also crowned Miss Worthington during her senior year and moved on to compete in the Miss Minnesota Pageant where she took third runner up and was the talent winner with her trap drum solo performance. She also excelled in academics and athletic pursuits. She enjoyed Germany and speaking the language. She loved canoeing on Lake Ocheda, camping, fishing, writing poetry and had a passion for playing her trap set and performing in local bands. Emily had a wonderful sense of humor and was very generous. She also loved her dog, Cadence, and other family pets. Emily died on Monday, May 28, 2012, at her residence in Worthington.

Emily is survived by her siblings, Chuck (Sue) Kirkeby of Strassburg, CO, Cindy (Paul) Stam of Worthington, MN, Pastor Karla Kirkeby of Wittenberg, WI and Wynn Kirkeby of Adrian, MN; and her aunt, Nina Ryle of Worthington, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012, at the Benson Funeral Home Chapel in Worthington, MN, with the Rev. Richard Ricker and Emily’s sister, Pastor Karla Kirkeby, officiating. Private family burial will be prior to the services in the Worthington Cemetery.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.

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