Lori K. (Pfuhl) Kirchner

Lori Kirchner, 59, of Waterford, WI, formerly of Sparta, WI, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Sparta, WI in 1963 to Willard and Linda Pfuhl and graduated from Sparta High School in 1981. In 1984, she married Kris Kirchner, and together they had two children, Gavin and Olivia.  They lived in Rochester, NY for several years before returning to Wisconsin in 1992, settling in Waterford.

As a young girl, Lori spent time caring for her grandmother.  This gave her the spark to pursue a medical profession.  Lori received her Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from Winona State University and the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences in 1986.  Few things brought her more joy than getting to know patients and helping restore them, after injury or illness, to the lives they once had.  Her desire to provide the best care for her patients motivated her to continue learning throughout her career, and ultimately she went on to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The College of Saint Scholastica in 2014.  Known for her fiery red hair, and vibrant, energetic, fun-loving personality, she loved meeting new people and learning their life stories.  Lori had a knack for making people feel like they were life-long friends, even after just meeting them. Above all, she considered her highest calling to be wife, mom and grandma (Nana). In the few moments when she wasn't selflessly dedicated to serving others, she could be found exploring nature, curled up with her cats and a good book, or playing with her new puppy Gracie.

She is survived by her husband Kris, her son, Gavin (Kelly) Kirchner, of North Aurora, IL, and her daughter Olivia (Keith) Ginn, of Charlotte, NC, as well as her mother, Linda Pfuhl, and three grandchildren, August, Otto, and Nora.

She is preceded in death by her father, Willard Pfuhl, who passed in 2020.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Lori’s life will be held on Friday, September 23rd, 2022 at Community Church, (455 S. Jefferson St. Waterford, WI 53185).  The memorial gathering will begin at 3:30 PM until time of service at 5:20 PM.

The family suggests memorial donation be made to the Medical College of Wisconsin Brain Tumor Research Fund in honor of Lori.  Donations may be mailed to - Department of Neurology, 9200 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226. 

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