BERTHA M. KIRCHHOFF

Bert Kirchhoff, 91 of Humboldt, passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Long Term Care Unit at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 15, at Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Service was livestreamed via Zion Lutheran Church’s Facebook page and Lentz Funeral Home’s website https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/bert-kirchhoff. Burial took place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Humboldt. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Humboldt. Online condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Bertha Marie Kirchhoff, the daughter of Carl and Bertha (Vogel) Kopecky, was born on July 24, 1934, in Cedar Township (Calhoun County). She attended Rinard High School where she graduated in 1952 as the class Valedictorian. Bert furthered her education by graduating from Iowa State Teacher’s College in 1954. On March 31, 1956, Bert was united in marriage to Gordon Kirchhoff in Farnhamville. Before starting her family, she taught first grade in Dakota City, for a short time and continued substitute teaching for many years. The couple made their home in Livermore, Rinard and moved to Humboldt in 1969 where they farmed, milked cows and raised hogs and chickens. She had the privilege of serving as a substitute teacher for all of her children and grandchildren who attend the Humboldt County School District. Bert started going to tractor pulling with Gordon in the early 1970’s and later became secretary/treasurer of ITPA & Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pullers. Together, Bert and Gordon were proudly inducted into the Iowa Tractor Pulling Association in 2012.
Bert was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and sang in the choir for many years along with becoming a member of the LWML. Bert had a strong faith and enjoyed going to Bible study at her church. She loved spending time with her family. Especially enjoyed her grandchildren and following their activities. She also enjoyed time spent in her flower and vegetable gardens.
Those left to cherish Bert are her four children: Larry (Cheri) Kirchhoff, Humboldt; Karen (Rich) Boever, Bancroft; Colleen (Scot) Slaikeu, Dakota City; Kevin (Wendy) Kirchhoff. Pocahontas; grandchildren: Jim (Michelle) Kirchhoff, Brian (Brooke) Kirchhoff, Christopher (Elizabeth) Kirchhoff, Tom (Melanie) Monson, Tim (Lindsay) Monson, Karry (Zach) Sweeney, Tanner (Jazmin) Boever, Lisa (Aaron) Peterson, Cole Slaikeu, Kelsey (Ryan) Sawyer, Caitlin (Brian) Gengler, Allix Kirchhoff, Tristan (Madi) Jeno, Lexi (Jacob) Huston; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; in-laws: Beverly (Marvin) Allbaugh, Sandy Kirchhoff, Leon (Mary) Kirchhoff and numerous nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her husband: Gordon; parents: Carl and Bertha Kopecky; siblings: Caroline (Walter) Lusmann, Frank (DeVonne) Kopecky and Joseph Kopecky; in-laws: Don Pooch, Bruce Kirchhoff; grandson: Andrew Bauer and nephew: Troy Kirchhoff.