Harley L. Kirchner

Harley L. Kirchner, 83, of Limestone, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025, at Bickford House in Bourbonnais. He was born May 18, 1942, in Bonfield, Illinois, the son of Martin G. and Hazel (Murphy) Kirchner. In the Fall of 1960, Harley met Sharon at a Herscher High School Football Game, and she quickly became the single greatest love of his life. They married on January 19, 1962, at the Zion Lutheran in Bonfield, Illinois, and were faithfully devoted to one another for over 63 years. Harley worked nearly 40 years as a route salesman, first serving 20 years with Meadow Gold Ice Cream, and then 19 years with Tony’s Pizza. Harley was well known for his volunteer work with the Bonfield Lions Hall and the Salina Fire Department. Harley was known for his seemingly endless repertoire of jokes and incredibly quick wit – a talent he proudly passed down to his grandchildren. A true family man by heart, there was nothing Harley enjoyed more than playing cards, casting a fishing pole, or sharing a deer stand with those he cherished most. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Kirchner; sons, Larry (Pat) Kirchner and Roger Kirchner; daughter, Linda (Robert) Brockman; grandchildren, Austyn (Drew) Bruno, Andrew (Allison Arseneau) Bruno, and Abbie (Tony Bizzotto) Bruno; great grandchildren, Sophia Baker, Sofia Bizzotto, Evelyn Cwetna, and Natalie Cwetna; sisters, Marion Wenzelman and Nancy Ake; and sister-in-law, Maxine Kirchner. Harley is preceded in death by his parents, Martin G. and Hazel (Murphy) Kirchner; brothers, Leroy (Barbara) Kirchner, Duane Kirchner, Francis (Bonnie) Kirchner, and Harold (Cheri) Kirchner; sisters, Phyllis Kirchner and Rita (Pat) Hamilton; brothers-in-law, Duane Wenzelman and Owen Ake. Services are private, but burial is open to family on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Kankakee Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Uplifted Care, Bourbonnais.