SHAFTER, CA - Leroy Melvin Kirschenmann, 89, of Shafter, California, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family who will forever be grateful for the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
Leroy was born on September 22, 1936, in Tehachapi, California, to Emil and Sophia Kirschenmann. He graduated from Shafter High School in 1954 and went on to dedicate the next 70 years of his life to the family farm. Farming was far more than an occupation to Leroy – it was a way of life. He loved the land, the work, and the people he met along the way. Some of his greatest friendships were built through the farming community, and he took tremendous pride in the life he and his family built in Shafter.
On November 6, 1955, Leroy married his high school sweetheart, Doris Lee Wilson. Together, Leroy and Doris built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, hard work, and love. Their marriage was a testament to a lifetime of devotion to one another. Leroy deeply missed Doris after her passing, and his family finds comfort knowing that they are together once again.
Leroy was a devoted father to his two sons, Kenneth (Julie) Kirschenmann and Mark (Lisa) Kirschenmann. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Elliott (Amanda), Derric (Jami), Clint (Stacey), and Brent (Carol) Kirschenmann, and Shelby (Jeff) Parsons. He was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous joy. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Louise Wilson, Joyce Vontz, Freda Chase, and many nieces and nephews.
To his grandchildren, Grandpa Leroy was much more than the patriarch of the family. He was simply Grandpa – or "Poppie" – a man whose presence made family gatherings, summer vacations, and sporting events more special. Some of their most treasured memories are the many summer vacations spent together and looking into the stands at sporting events and knowing Grandpa was there. He showed his love not only through words, but by showing up, being present, and taking pride in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Leroy lived a long and meaningful life—one built on faith, family, farming, friendship, and hard work. Although saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, his family is thankful for nearly 90 years of his life and for the countless memories he gave them.
And now, after a lifetime of working the land, loving his family, and faithfully serving his Lord, Leroy is home—with his Savior and reunited with his beloved Doris.
The Kirschenmann family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Araceli Gutierrez Ayon for the continuous love, care, and support she gave Leroy. Her kindness and devotion meant more to Leroy and his family than words can adequately express.
A celebration of Leroy's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Shafter, California, where Leroy was a lifelong and faithful member.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Psalm 116:15
In liew of flowers please consider a donation to Ebenzer Reformed Church Shafter or Hoffman Hospice House under Leroy Kirschenmann.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
