Kirk Patrick Schleife, 75, of Superior, formerly of Trego, died Thursday, July 4, 2019 at St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, due to complications from cancer treatments.

He was born March 16, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI, son of Melvin and Jesse (Kirkpatrick) Schleife.

Kirk was a graduate from Tomahawk High School (Class of 1962) and earned his teaching degree from UWS. His work history included teaching, school principal, conductor on the Chicago and North Western Railroad, and finished with teaching adult education at the Gordon Correctional Facility.

He was deeply in love with his wife, Katie, and they would have celebrated 35 years together on December 4th.

Kirk was passionate about his hobbies as he explored each in turn: deer hunting, ice fishing, salmon fishing in the great lakes, high power rifle shooting throughout the midwest and finally photography.  He was a member of the Northern Lights Photography Club and the Frozen Photographers and found great joy in sharing his passion.

He will be remembered for his positivity and pushing the limits just far enough to make everyone around him a little nervous.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine "Katie"  (Gotelaere); son, David (Amanda) Blade, Katy, TX; daughter, Kerry K (Matt) Maki, Superior; granddaughters, Marissa, Vera and Ada; and grandson, Luke; many in-laws, nieces and nephews

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19 ^th Street, Superior. Service will be held at 11 and Reverend Father Adam Laski will officiate.

Following the service, everyone is invited to a luncheon at the Belgian Club, 3931 E. 2 ^nd Street, Superior.