Jeffrey Kerkhoven

Jeffrey Thomas Kerkhoven, 50, of Dubuque, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, January 21st, from a brief illness at Finley Hospital.  Jeff was blessed to have his beloved sister, Anne, at his bedside to give him unconditional love, and comfort in the emergency room. 

A memorial mass of Christian Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday promptly at 10:00 am.

Burial is at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery after the reception. 

There will be a luncheon following the funeral mass in the reception hall.  Please attend if you can. 

Visitation will be held at Halligan, McCade-DeVries Funeral Home on Main Street in Davenport. 

Family will greet visitors on Monday 29th from 4:00-6:00.

Rosary and prayers will begin at 6:00. It is open for everyone to attend. 

Jeff was born on May 4th, 1973, in Moline, IL to his parents, Thomas and Judith (Sullivan) Kerkhoven.  Jeffery was welcomed with joy, love, and excitement from his two older sisters, parents, and grandparents.

He attended Central High School, in Davenport where he was a very good student and excelled at piano and as a swimmer on the varsity swim team. Jeffrey, graduated with honors from Mount St. Clare college in Clinton, on a partial scholarship in music. 

Jeff had a B.A. in business and a broad sales background. 

He worked in sales and customer service with various companies throughout his life. He worked at Midline, in Dubuque for six years as a distribution service manager. 

He was excited to start a new job on Monday. 

Jeffrey grew up in central Davenport, a block from Vander Veer Park.  He enjoyed ice skating and playing soccer there and had a special fondness for the park.  He also enjoyed sharing outings at the park with his children throughout their lives. 

Jeff inherited the family travel bug. As a youth and young adult, he loved to travel and to experience different cultures. A special and favorite place that Jeff loved is Lourdes, France.  Lourdes is where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in the 19th century to a poor young peasant girl. It has since become a place of authentic miracles, healings, and spiritual renewal to millions of people worldwide. Jeff’s next trip to Europe, he visited friends he met in the USA through an exchange program in high school. 

In 1989, the third time, he went abroad with family members to several different countries: the former communist country of Yugoslavia, Italy, and Austria. 

Being a young renaissance man, Jeff interests also included: skiing, hiking, drawing, fishing with his dad, cycling, music, and a good cold craft beer when he turned of age. His eclectic taste in music ranged from Mozart, Yanni, Jazz, and a capella groups, to the band called The Scorpions. 

He was very passionate about his hobbies. He often made beautiful crystal/stone bracelets for people.  He loved photography. Having a keen eye for art and design, he created unique and beautiful photos. The one hobby that really stood out and was dear to him was his indoor guinea pig “farm”.

He is remembered as a prayerful, sensitive soul who was compassionate, thoughtful, helpful, with a good sense of humor.  When the opportunity arose for him, he and his kids liked to spend time with extended family for the holidays and summer excursions.

Jeff persevered despite many lifelong struggles.  His faith and children propelled him forward with hope; they literally were the air that he breathed. He was extremely proud of his three children.

Those left to honor the memory of Jeff are as follows:

His sons, Joseph Kerkhoven (Laura) from California, Alex Kerkhoven and daughter, Anika from Arizona.  His father, Tom Kerkhoven, sisters, Maribeth Green (Mark), Lynda Kerkhoven, all from Davenport, sister, Anne Moore (Ryan) from Bettendorf, a special cousin, Todd Kerkhoven, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, Judy. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to Thomas Kerkhoven for Jeff’s children. 

A special “Thank you” to the compassionate doctors, nurses, chaplain, and staff from Finley Hospital, who not only used their exemplary skills to try and save Jeff’s life but put their whole heart into caring for him. We are eternally grateful. Thank you for being our heart and hands. 

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.