Obituaries

Gregory Robert Kirkpatrick, age 74, peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at his beloved summer residence in the Les Cheneaux Islands of Michigan. He was born on October 21, 1951, in Lansing, Michigan, and was the third of five children to Robert and Lucille (Powers) Kirkpatrick.

Greg earned his MBA from Michigan State University and later served as a professor of finance and accounting at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Greg practiced as a CPA and served as Chief Financial Officer in the Minneapolis area, where he was a longtime resident. He was formerly married to Kathy Erickson, with whom he had two daughters. Greg concluded his career as a respected owner-operator of several Culver’s restaurant franchises.

A proud son of Michigan, Greg grew up enjoying summers at the family cottage on Crystal Lake, where he developed a lifelong love of the waters and shores of his home state. He relished watercraft of all kinds and “neat” old cars and will be fondly remembered for his sense of adventure, which included intrepid sailing trips, wintering in coastal Thailand, and driving long distances in his classic Mercedes-Benz 240D.

Always quick with a joke, Greg had an innate ability to make people smile and feel at ease. He was patient beyond measure, unfailingly gracious with his time and knowledge, and available at a moment’s notice to help friends and loved ones. Greg was immensely proud of his five grandchildren and steadfastly devoted to his loving daughters, Lane and Kyla, who will carry the gift of his fatherly love in their hearts forever.

Greg is survived by his daughters, Lane (Edward) Brooks and Kyla (Casey) Hudson; grandchildren, Wesley Brooks, Dashiell Brooks, Frederick Brooks, Conrad Hudson, and Georgiana Hudson; and siblings, Susan Kirkpatrick, Ron (Linda) Kirkpatrick and Karen Bahrman.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucille Kirkpatrick, and his brother, Gary Kirkpatrick.

A celebration of Greg's life will be held at Crystal Lake, Michigan, on Saturday, August 8th.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.