Gregory Gordon Kirsch

Gregory Gordon Kirsch passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022, at his home in Chehalis, surrounded by loved ones.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was kind, compassionate, soft-spoken and quick to laugh.

Greg was born on Feb. 18, 1946 to Walter and Marjorie Kirsch of Portsmouth, Ohio, the second of two sons (Dennis).

Greg earned a bachelor's of fine arts degree from Ohio State University. He later earned a master's degree and a doctorate in educational administration from Michigan State University.

He went on to earn a second master's degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Kirsch was a lifelong advocate of education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, director of special education, assistant superintendent in a public education career that spanned over 44 years. 

Dr. Kirsch's career began in Michigan, first as a teacher and later as a director of special education, before moving to Olympia in 1981. He served as the state director of special education at the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1981 to 1990.

In 1984, Greg married Katrina Boedecker, who was his wife of 37 years.

Dr. Kirsch served as deputy superintendent of Yelm School District from 1990 to 1995.

From 1995 through 2010, Dr. Kirsch served the Chehalis community as superintendent of Chehalis School District.

His 15yrs of service are second-most of any Chehalis schools superintendent. During his time as superintendent in Chehalis, Dr. Kirsch established the Chehalis Community Cares Program, a fund to assist students in need. In 2014, Dr. Kirsch served a one-year tenure as the interim superintendent of the Longview School District.

Greg was drawn to anything with a motor. He loved restoring cars and motorcycles and for over 20 years, Greg and his family enjoyed boating throughout the Puget Sound, Pacific Northwest and Canada.

One of his favorite adventures was riding his Harley Davidson to Sturgis, South Dakota. He and Katrina loved to travel, visiting such destinations as Paris, Morocco and Saipan.

Greg was preceded in death by his parent. He is survived by his wife, Katrina; his children, Jeremey (Alicia) and Ali (Ryan); his brother Dennis (sue); five grandchildren, (Jeremey's) Ryan, Jonathan and Elizabeth and (Ali's) Hudson and Elena. Greg is also survived by his beloved 18 year-old dog Lucy. 

Funeral Services were held at 11am March 26, 2022 at St. John's Lutheran Church 2190 Jackson Highway, in Chehalis

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in memory of Greg Kirsh may be directed to the Dr. Greg Kirsch Memorial Scholarship (chehalisfoundation.org) or the Community Cares Fund, both through the Chehalis School District, 310 SW 16th Street Chehalis, Washington, 98532. 

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