Obituaries: Greta Sue Kirsch (Van Dyke) (June 6, 1957 – May 17, 2011)

Greta passed away on May 17, 2011, at the Rouge Valley Hospital in Medford, from lung and heart problems. Her children, family members and a close friend were at her side on her final day of life.

Greta was born to Irene and Ernest Van Dyke at Seaside Hospital in Crescent City. She was the fifth of six children. Greta lived most of her life in Del Norte County, attending school at St. Joesph's Catholic School, Smith River Elementary and Del Norte High School. She was a resident of Smith River for many years, where she raised her three children. Recently, she moved to Gasquet to be near her daughter. Greta was a long-time employee at Benner Mini Storage in Crescent City, where she worked the front desk and greeted everyone with a friendly smile. Her greatest loves were her family, friends and hanging out at the river. She will be remembered by her talented and good-natured spirit to all who know her.

Greta was preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Ernie Van Dyke, and her husband, Ken Kirsch.

She is survived by her son Jeremiah Kirsch of Eugene, Ore., Lynsey Kirsch and Jim Signa and beloved grandsons, Jedidiah and Leo of Gasquet. and her son Joey Forbess of Pistol River, Ore. Also her siblings Mary Daly and husband Jim of Penrose, Colo., Stephen Van Dyke of Willits, Calif., Jullie Rollin and husband John of Swisshome, Ore., Ed Van Dyke and wife Bev of Smith River, and Kurt Van Dyke and wife Christina of Crescent City. Numerous nieces and nephews of Greta's, who will miss her her intelligent, humorous and creative mind.

Her memorial service will be held on July 2, at St. Joesph's Catholic Church at noon in Crescent City on the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Potluck to follow in Gasquet at her daughter's house located at155 Forks Placermine. All are welcome.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier's Mortuary Chapel.

— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel