Harold was born on August 3, 1936 to Leonard and Emma Pragman Kirchhoff in Saline County, near Sweet Springs, MO. Harold continued to live in Saline County until 1945 when his family moved to Ernestville, MO. There he attended St. Matthew Lutheran School and then Concordia High School where he graduated in 1954. Following graduation he continued to work on the farm and worked briefly at International Shoe Company in Sweet Springs. After a brief stint at the shoe factory, he volunteered for the draft and was drafted into the U.S. Army on September 14, 1955. He served two years active duty, two years active reserve and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. On November 1, 1957, he was appointed in the KCMO Police Department as a patrolman. On November 7, 1958, he married the love of his life, Edie Nell (the little blonde who worked in the courts). Harold's career with the police department spanned 30 years primarily in the investigation division, including a 13 year stint that he served as the supervisor of the forgery unit. While on the department he earned a bachelor's degree, cum laude, in Criminal Justice Administration from Central Missouri State University in 1976. He retired from the KCMO Police Department as a sergeant on November 1, 1987. Following his retirement from the police department, Harold returned to his roots and worked with his brother, Norbert, in a farming operation near Concordia for 20 years.

Harold was a deeply religious man and he and his wife became members of Peace Lutheran Church in 1960. Both immediately became very active members. Harold is extremely proud of the leadership roles he served in the church. He served consecutively for 40 years which included president and vice-president of the church voter's assembly, chairman and member of the board of elders. He was blessed to have served under the direction of the late Pastor Clem Mehl, Pastor John Schmid, and the current Pastor Keith Ratcliffe. Additionally, he served on many committees, one of which in 2004 he co-chaired with his friend Virgil Thorp, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the church.

God blessed Harold and Edie with three awesome children and their spouses, Kimberly and her husband, Dr. Fred Farris; Karla and her husband Kevin Heinrich; son KCMO PD Sgt. Keith Kirchhoff and his wife Sara; grandchildren: Jonathan, Joel and Emma Farris, Reese, Reed and Rance Heinrich, and Frank Leonard Kirchhoff; step-grandchildren: Zack, Darby and Jamison.

Harold is survived by Edie, his children and grandchildren; a brother, Merle Kirchhoff and wife Jane; two sisters, Verna Mae Bredehoft and Ruby Shinn and husband John; a sister-in-law, Anna Kirchhoff; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Delmar in infancy; his beloved brother, Norbert; and a brother-in-law, Herbert Bredehoft.

(info source; KC STAR)