Kirby R. Greene

On the brisk day of November 21, 2023, Kirby Ronsley Greene, 88 years young, decided with resolution that he, the “Old Buck”, was done.

Firstborn son (and head ring leader of two younger brothers, Barclay and Gary) of Morris R. and Irene J. Greene, born in Minneapolis, MN, the family moved to a farm place by Dalton, MN about 1948. There he attended country school until the teachers had enough of his shenanigans and he went to further education at the old Ag School in Morris, MN. Per family legend, his mom wrote a note for him to join the US Marine Corps, as he was underage. This is where he got his one and only tattoo of the eagle and globe, eventually met his wife of 68 years, Alice, at the Wold Chamberlin base in St. Paul in 1955 and moved to Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, NC; promptly had three kids, Vikki, Eric and Linda, in rapid succession. Kirby left the Marines in 1961 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was proudest of being a drill instructor for Navy seamen every chance he could and would gleefully laugh about it for years afterwards. The crew returned to Minnesota and he began careers as an orderly at the State Hospital in Fergus Falls, worked for Greene’s Furriers in Fergus Falls and then moved on to insurance salesman with Mutual of Omaha and other companies.  Eventually, three more children were born; Marian, Brian and LeiLani, completing the brood.

Kirby fancied himself a gentleman farmer, eloquent writer, ravenous learner, and an avid reader. His interests were varied and too numerous to mention; but humility wasn’t his strong suit: Master Mason, Shriner, Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, and Otter Tail County Republican Party Chair. Of course, he hunted and fished the family homestead, aptly named “The Old Duck Camp Farm” (he thought it was a brilliant name albeit long-winded).

Kirby’s father and mother, brother Gary, sister-in-law Linda Lou, daughter Marian and granddaughter Stephanie Hauge were there to meet him on his first heavenly day. Probably with a cigar and a good bourbon. And many stories and laughter.

His wry sense of humor, dry wit and a particular grin of his will be missed by his wife, Alice of Dalton, MN, children Vikki Greene of Dalton, MN, Eric (Sylvia) Greene of Fargo, ND, Linda (Larry Coulter) Greene of Champlin, MN, Brian (Julie) Greene of Underwood, MN and LeiLani (Shawn) Hauge of Fergus Falls. Brother Barclay from Yorba Linda, CA, sister-in-law Cathie Greene of Sault St. Marie, MI, nephews, nieces and cousins. His grandchildren: Kris Greene, Katlin (Aaron) Heidgerken-Greene, Megan Greene, Ben (Tina) Greene, Brad (Alissa) Greene, and Tucker Hauge and great-grandchildren Nate, Lucy, Allison and Ryder will miss his presence and deep pride he had for all of his Legacy.

The family wishes to say thank you to the staff of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN for the exquisite care you provided Kirby and his endless cups of tea and ornery bravado. Always with one of his special grins. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the MN Vets Home in Kirby’s memory.

Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arranging Kirby’s visitation on Fri., Dec. 8th from 4 pm to 6 pm with a short service on Sat., Dec. 9th at 1 pm. If you can’t make it, raise a glass and toast Kirby wherever you are. He would appreciate it. Rest easy, Marine, your watch is over. Semper Fi.