Joseph H. Kirby, 87

| June 8, 2011 10:00 PM

Joseph H. Kirby died at home in Meridian on June 7, 2011. Joe was born Sept. 30, 1923, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Patrick F. and Laura V. Kirby. The second of five children.

He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. After discharge from the service, he attended USC as a pre-dental student and received his D.D.S. degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., in 1954.

In 1953, Joe married Madalene Larese and after graduation they moved to Fullerton, Calif., where he established his dental practice. From 1962 to 1965 Joe and Madalene worked as medical missionaries in Zimbabwe, Africa, with the Lay Mission Helpers/Mission Doctors Association.

Upon their return, Joe opened an Oral Surgery office in Ventura, Calif. In 1971, Joe and his family relocated to Coeur d'Alene where he continued to practice for an additional 25 years. After retirement, they moved to Tigard, Ore., and five years ago to Boise.

They were blessed with two wonderful sons and their spouses: Mike (Lori) and Paul (Nicole) and four precious grandchildren: Lindsay, Ryan, Katarina and Alexander Kirby.

Joe enjoyed boating, camping and travel, but most of all he cherished his family and his Catholic faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Good Shepherd nun, Sister Mary Elizabeth.

He is survived by his loving wife and family. Sisters: Laura Hughes, Carmelite nun, Sister Jean Marie Kirby and brother Camaldolese monk, Brother Gabriel Kirby.

Vigil services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2011, and the funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, both services will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 6300 N. Meridian Road, Meridian. Burial will follow at the Meridian Cemetery.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to Divine Mercy Inc. P.O. Box 948 Beullton, CA 93427 or New Camaldoli Hermitage 62475 Coast Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920.