Timothy ‘Art’ Kirk

Timothy “Art” Kirk was born March 4, 1963, to Thomas Kirk and Mary Kirk (Marrs) in Hot Springs, S.D. Art attended school in Pringle and Custer, S.D., and graduated from Custer High School in 1981.
Art attended welding school in Casper, Wyo., and went on to work at Kirk Welding in Tracy, California. He was there a little over a year. Art continued his welding career working for various companies such as Hills Material RCSD and Summit Construction.
In 1993 Art met Amy Claire Studt in Pringle. They got married in Pringle on June 11, 1994.
Art and Amy had two children together, Arthur “Myles,” and Renee. Art and Amy spent 25 years together raising their two kids on the ranch in Pringle.
Art was a busy man as he spent his days raising his two children, running his ranch and working for BNSF as a conductor. Despite his busy lifestyle, Art made time for his family and friends as much as he could. He enjoyed checking, watering and feeding his cows with the company of his family and dog.
Art was passionate about his ranch and fixing it up to make it the very best it could be. He was truly one of a kind, with a sense of humor that could make everyone in the room laugh hysterically.
Art enjoyed a variety of projects, including welding unique décor pieces and putting them up for display in and around his home, and giving them away to friends and family. One of Art’s most favorite projects was building his homemade hot rod, which coined the term “rat-rod.” He enjoyed giving rides to his family and neighbors and showing off his creation. Branding time (in the spring) was one of his favorite times, and he enjoyed being around his neighbors and friends.
In the year 2014 Art retired from BNSF Railway so he could focus on his ranch and spending time with his children as they entered adulthood.
Art’s full-time retirement began in the year 2019, and he remained on the ranch that was passed down through many generations of his family. During his retirement Art enjoyed seeing his kids and family, chatting with his friends and neighbors, and spending time with his beloved dog, Walter.
Art, of Pringle, S.D., passed away Dec. 20, 2023 at his ranch in Pringle. He was 60.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Marvin Kirk; and both his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Art is survived by his two kids, Myles (Heidi) Kirk and Renee (Hunter) Hegdahl; his mother, Mary (Larry) Marrs; his siblings, Sheryl (Joeseph) Applegarth, Susan Cooper, Dan (Linda) Kirk; nieces, Katie Kirk and Kelly Kirk; former wife, Amy Kirk; and many amazing friends and neighbors who have known Art for decades, and were always there to help when needed.
Services will be held at Pringle Methodist Church Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. with a gravesite memorial.
This will be followed by a lunch and potluck to celebrate his life at the Pringle Fire Hall. All are welcome to attend and remember Art and are encouraged to bring a dish to share if you are able.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.