Erwin J. Kirch was called by his Savior into life Sunday, March 20, 2011, at Concordia Life Care Community, Oklahoma City. A pumper for Pan American Oil Company, he retired in 1979, after 34 years. Later he worked for FMI Company in Girard, Kansas. He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church where he served in many ways including as elder and as Sunday School teacher. He was 88 years old. Erwin was born February 27, 1923, to Fred Kirch and Maria Krieg Kirch in Lincoln County, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brothers, Martin, Edwin, Walter and Ernst. On May 30, 1948, he married Viola Rubin in Fairland, Oklahoma. She died July 16, 1994, in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Woodhams, McCook, Nebraska; four children; thirteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The service will be held Thursday, March 24, 2011, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 8811 W. Wilshire Blvd., Oklahoma City at 10 a.m., the Reverend Craig Born officiating. He will be buried beside his wife at the Lutheran Cemetery, Wellston, Oklahoma, following the service. Family and friends may call at the Mercer-Adams Funeral home, 3925 N. Asbury Avenue, Oklahoma City. Memorials may be sent to Gethsemane Lutheran School in care of either the church or the funeral home.