Fred Kirchner celebrated his 76th birthday with family and friends on March 6, but five days later, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, heartbroken from the recent passing of his beloved life partner, Jean Diehl Kirchner.

Fred was the second of four born to William Frederick Kirchner and Gloria Ann (Houchin) Kirchner in Dayton, Ohio. Smart and athletic, “Fred the Gret” (as his family called him) graduated from Beavercreek High in 1968 and headed to Virginia Tech to major in architecture, graduating top in his class.

He traveled throughout Europe and briefly taught in Zurich, circling back to Blacksburg where he courted the love of his life, Jean. They eventually moved to Reston to gain valuable experience in the field of architecture. Shortly after their move, Jean and Fred had their first child, William Frederick III. Five years later, Jon Christopher was born just before moving to Lexington in 1986. Here, their roots expanded with the birth of their dear daughter Anne Jeanette, completing the family. Rockbridge was a new, safe place where he was able to not only grow his family but also open his own architecture firm.

Fred’s love for building and design spread rapidly within the community, and became apparent with his work on hundreds of projects, both commercial and residential, leaving his legacy to be seen around town and the county. His creativity also expanded into his other business, Woodworks of Lexington, as he spent much of his time working on projects in his full-capacitystudio- woodshop-maker-space while Jean continued to run all of the administrative moving parts of Kirchner & Associates Architects.

Fred’s dedication to the community was realized through the impact of his volunteerism. He took great pride in his civic involvement, seeing out his vision of a tight-knit, engaged, and compassionate community. With a focus on improving local environments, he was a longtime fixture of the Lexington Architectural Review Board and also the Lexington Threshold Housing Commission to help create affordable housing in the area.

Always looking for ways to support the needs of the community, he held a powerful and passionate voice in the local Democratic Party, after serving on multiple seats of Lexington City Council.

In his 40 years as a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, he was often on church council and also served as president. Fred was also a longtime member of the Lexington Kiwanis Club, as his selfless commitment to the local community certainly helped shape Lexington uniquely into what it is today.

“A job well done” was Fred’s central mantra, working long hours, enjoying the back-andforth with clients ranging from both local universities to those who became close, lifelong friends by the end of the process.

A true family man with strong values, he and Jean loved raising and nurturing their three artistic children, Will, Jon and Anne. Passing down their legacy, he spent the last year of his life renovating his downtown architecture office into a family gallery to showcase his family’s creativity, of which he was so very proud. He especially loved bonding with his first grandchild, Calvin Frederick, building, drawing, and playing the guitar with him, to connect, encourage and make memories with the next generation.

Fred is survived by his siblings, Barbara Martin of Albany, Ohio, Paul Kirchner of Oakland, Calif., and Chris Kirchner of Los Angeles, Calif., and their spouses; six first cousins; and eight nieces and nephews.

The family appreciated those that joined for the natural burial service on March 15. A memorial and celebration of life is planned for Aug. 17 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. NG