Kirk Douglas Byars

Kirk Byars was born May 13, 1957, to Irene (Samoris) and Arnold Byars. He grew up and spent most of his life in Des Moines, IA. He has an older brother Mike Byars (wife Connie). He attended Tech High School and was a part of the Marine JROTC (he was proud to be a member of the sharp shooters who beat the lowa State Marine ROTC). He took part in the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program and, when an instructor left due to medical issues, he taught some of the coursework.

He later married Kathy (Rosman) Van Elsen. The standing joke was that the city kid married the farm kid. He gained a stepdaughter Marissa Van Elsen, who he helped raise and introduced her to steam engines. Both Kirk and Marissa took Steam Engine School, learning to drive and maintain steam engines.

Kirk had many skills and jobs to his name. He was unable to complete his Marine basic training due to back issues but was proud of the Marines and the skills he learned. Many times he would have two jobs to support his family - auto repair, plumbing, taxi driving, security. He managed a wood stove shop, was a slot technician, and installed and later sold garage doors. His last job, prior to retirement, was working for Envipco for 25 years, maintaining the data base and troubleshooting bottle and can redemption machines (the home office would dread his calls as they were never easy). He was, in essence, a renaissance man, a man of many skills from his work history, life exposure and lessons learned from family.

He and Kathy moved to Harlan, IA, in 2017 and he fell in love with Harlan's rush hour (7 cars and a tractor). He was blessed with wonderful neighbors and the citizens of Harlan. He stated that he was never moving back to Des Moines.

He retired in 2024. During retirement and even before he used YouTube to learn how to turn wooden pens, to make cedar boxes, and learn the art of leather work. He followed many craftspeople demonstrating carpentry, leatherwork, long boat navigation, RV adventures, boat repair and more. Each year he had the tradition of attending the Midwest Old Thresher's Reunion. This tradition lasted over 50 years. He was fascinated by the steam engines and the small engines. He introduced his kids, his granddaughters, Kathy and her dad (Farmall land held a special place) to the wonders of OTR.

Kirk passed away in his sleep on May 27, 2026. He will be missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Arnold Byars.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy (Rosman) Byars of Harlan, Iowa; children, Christopher Byars of Des Moines, Iowa, Matthew Byars of Des Moines, Iowa, Rachel Byars of Des Moines, Iowa, Stephanie (Joshua) Peterson of West Des Moines, Iowa, Marissa Van Elsen of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; three granddaughters Brooklynn, Olivia, and Lauren; brother, Mike (Connie) Byars of Lake Mills, Iowa; other relatives and friends.