Joseph C. Kirchdoerfer

Joseph Charles Kirchdoerfer, 89, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2025, at his home on the family farm in Cape Girardeau surrounded by family. He was born July 15, 1935 to Joseph A. and Mary Heuring Kirchdoerfer. Joe was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. He and Mildred Kluesner were married April 23, 1960 at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran. Born and raised on the family farm west of Cape Girardeau, Joe was a third-generation farmer. With his family, Joe owned and managed Jo-Kirch Jerseys, a purebred, registered Jersey dairy herd. As a dairy breeder, Joe built one of the top herds in the state and nation for milk production and type. He exhibited his Jersey cattle at numerous national, state, and local fairs, including the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mid-South Fair in Memphis, DuQuoin State Fair in Illinois, and the SEMO District Fair, at which he was a cattle exhibitor for 75 years. With renowned success in both the milk barn and showring, fellow dairy producers throughout the United States have purchased Jo-Kirch Jersey cattle over the years. As an advocate for agriculture, Joe was affiliated with several organizations, including the Campster 4-H Club, American Jersey Cattle Association, Missouri Jersey Cattle Club, MFA, Farm Service Agency, and Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau. As a leader in the dairy industry, Joe received numerous honors, including the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award, Missouri State Fair Stockman's Hall of Fame Induction, Farm Bureau Friend of the Farmer Award, and Honorary State FFA Degree. A man of few words, Joe was loved by many for his silent actions behind the scenes of helping family, friends, and neighbors in need. He was respected for his profound faith, strong work ethic, unwavering integrity, and sincere kindness. Joe was a lifelong member of St. Mary Cathedral. He served on various committees, including serving as St. Mary Cemetery Association President since 1974. Joe is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 65 years, Mildred; children, Carl Kirchdoerfer of Cape Girardeau, Edward (Amy) Kirchdoerfer of Cape Girardeau, Glenda (Kendall) Hampton of Sikeston, and Julie (Keith) Eftink of Chaffee; seven grandchildren, Tricia (Josh) Walther, Tyler (Logan) Kirchdoerfer, Nathan Hampton, Alex (Drew) Eftink, Katie Hampton, Clayton Kirchdoerfer, and Zach Eftink; four great-grandchildren, Claire, Caleb, Willow, and Wesley; and one sister, Adella Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Anton Kirchdoerfer; two sisters, Stella Ostendorf and Marie James; three brothers-in-law, Fred Ostendorf, Alvin Frank, and Robert James; and dear friend, Rev. Raymond Kunkel. Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 4:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop and Rev. Jesse Hiett officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau following the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the St. Mary Cemetery Association. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Joseph C. Kirchdoerfer

July 15, 1935 - July 3, 2025