Kirk E. McLaughlin

Kirk Eugene McLaughlin passed away on January 20, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, friendship, and fun times.

Kirk was united in marriage to Karen on June 27, 1970, in Audobon, Iowa. Their partnership was blessed with two sons, Cory and Mickey McLaughlin, who, along with their families, carried forward Kirk's zest for life.

Kirk was an exceptional athlete in high school and college earning him a scholarship to play football, basketball, and baseball at Dana College in Blair NE. His athletic career as a 3- sport athlete earned him a spot in the Dana College Athletic Hall of Fame. Kirk served in the United States Army Reserve for 31 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He was called up for active duty during Operation Desert Storm and served as a driving instructor for military vehicles and convoys. 

Kirk's passion for education and sports continued as a long-time teacher and coach for Omaha Public Schools. He taught physical education until his retirement from Omaha South High School in 2005. Over his career, he coached many players in football, varsity girls' basketball, golf, and tennis. His inventive and creative dodgeball games that he invented while at South High became an annual family bonding activity for the entire McLaughlin family who enjoyed playing in the annual "Coach Mac Dodge Ball tournament" every year during family vacations at the Ozarks. 

Kirk's love for the outdoors and lake living was evident in every aspect of his life. Kirk was a long-time boat owner and could tell the best stories about every single boat he ever owned. He followed in the footsteps of his Dad, Russ, who loved adventures on the water. Kirk was an avid pheasant hunter for years and enjoyed the time walking in tall grass fields with his sons and many well-trained Visla pointer dogs. Kirk and Karen enjoyed their time as "Boat Captains," living at Beaver Lake, NE, and later moving to the Lake of the Ozarks, Sunrise Beach. They enjoyed playing in many golf leagues with friends at Indian Rock Golf Course and participating in social events at the Elks Club. He enjoyed teaching grandkids, nieces, and nephews how to water ski, drive a boat, bait a hook to fish, and hold on for dear life while tubing. He had the unique skill of fixing anything with duct tape and super glue. He was always ready with tips to improve your golf swing and for the perfect arm/hand formation to shoot a free throw. Kirk's home was a place of warmth and welcome to friends who visited them in the Ozarks, where he loved taking long boat rides and enjoying grill-outs, earning a reputation as the ultimate grill master with his famous Weber-style hot wings.

Kirk is survived by his wife of 54 years, Karen, and his children, Cory and Vicki McLaughlin of Lincoln, and Mickey and Jaclyn McLaughlin of Omaha; Grandchildren Kirk and partner Kayla Prai, Maxwell, Briella, and Major McLaughlin, and great-granddaughter Brooklyn. He is also survived by his sisters: Holly Miller, Verna (Tom) Huiskamp, Pat Frederiksen, Laury (Kevin) Cusick, and Jamie (Joel) David, as well as many nieces and nephews, and countless friends from Omaha, Beaver Lake, and the Lake of the Ozarks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Russ McLaughlin.

A visitation will be held at John A. Gentleman Mortuaries on Tuesday, January 28, from 5-7 pm. Private interment will take place at the Omaha National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held with friends and family this summer at the Lake of the Ozarks.