A graveside memorial will be 1:30 p.m., Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the Graceland Cemetery in Oacoma, SD.

Kirk Lee Brandstrom was born July 13,1976 in Moose Lake, MN. To Lyle (SR) and Patricia Brandstrom. He went home to join big brother, Lyle (JR), on the farm their father grew up on in Finlayson, MN. The family moved to Chamberlain when he was a toddler.  Kirk grew up alongside his brother, Lyle, and cousins Mick Jr, Matt, Tori, and Sam, who were more like siblings, sharing many good times and adventures together.  His curly hair and bright blue eyes charmed everyone who met him.

Kirk started his schooling at 3 ½ years old when Pat helped startup the Tree House Preschool. He met many lifelong friends in those Preschool days. He attended all but the 7th grade in Chamberlain. He attended 7th grade in Pierre.

In 1988 Kirk found the "Heart" Dad he longed to have in George Wolf.  In 1996 George made it official when he married Pat.  George and Kirk shared a special bond until George passed 28 April 2021.

During high school Kirk worked at Lawn Tech with his Uncle Chuck Kenyon for his Aunt Cathy and Uncle Mick Zeman. He attended Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, Wy. In 1996 he graduated from the mechanical program.

His first job after graduating was at Pioneer Garage in Highmore, SD. There he met his lifelong friend Keri. Kirk moved back to Chamberlain where he met and married Stacie Steckelberg. He became an instant Father to Austin, Ethan and Jerica Steckelberg.  Over the years he worked at Hutmacher Drilling, The City of Oacoma, Budweiser-Quality Brands of the Black Hills. While at Quality Brands he transferred to Rapid City after his divorce. Jerica moved to Rapid City with him where she finished her senior year. He moved back to Oacoma to work for Jeremy Thomas Construction. He was working there at the time of his death.

Kirk loved the river, tubing, camping, fishing, hanging out with friends and family, or just listening to music in his back yard with his dogs, Belle and Bandit. He especially loved riding his Harley and attending the Sturgis Rally. He said all his troubles went away when the wind hit his Face!  He was able to attend the 2023 rally before his health became an obstacle to his dreams.

On September 7, 2023, Kirk was diagnosed with stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. By November it had spread to every organ and place but his heart. Thus, proving you can't stop a heart of gold! On November 22, 2023, he was honored to get a room at the Hospice House in Rapid City.  He gained the love and respect of all his care givers with his kindhearted, funny attitude, and empathy for all. He didn't have one "poor me" or "why me "day. He wanted no crying. He wanted everyone to laugh and enjoy his last days. His sense of humor never failed as he had us all in stiches while he relayed some of his memories.

He fought stubbornly and valiantly, until his body could no longer carry on. He went to heaven on December 15, 2023, holding his mom's hand so tight he turned her fingers blue.

Kirk leaves a legacy of always having a positive attitude, quick wit and sense of humor, a mischievous smile on his face, and a work ethic hard to match. He summed up his life by the words he wrote to his mom; "Be Responsible for my actions, find the good side of everything, cry when I need to, be strong when I have to, Work Hard for what you need, not worry about what you want, that seems to take care of itself!"

Grateful for having shared his life are his mother, Pat, Brother, Lyle, Sister-in-Law: Tamy, Daughter Jerica. Sons: Austin & Ethan.  Aunts: Cathy, Sandy, Rita, Linda and Carol. Uncles: Chuck, Mick, Jim, Lonnie, and Ron. Cousins: Mick Jr, Matt, Tori, Sam, Mitch, Maddy, Chris, Amber and Amanda. "Heart" Moms: Ellen, Lila, Sandi and Peggy. "Heart" Brothers and Sisters: Keri, Jeremy, Brandon, Rob, Leah, Mitch, Robyne, April, Shon, Jaymison, Todd, Laurie, Dennis, Phil and Joy. Too many other friends to list. You know who you are. You will always be missed and never forgotten.

Kirk joined Grandpa Chuck, Granny "Bee", Uncle Mike, Aunt Cathy, George, Great Grandma Grace, Niece Brenna, and many more relatives in Heaven.

To quote one of Kirk's favorite sayings "Thank God there's only one KMFB"