Kirk Laverne Hutchison, 61, of Rice Lake, WI, peacefully made his final journey home on June 5, 2025, at his house, with his family at his side.

He was born to Herbert and Beryl (MacDonald) Hutchinson in Apple Valley, MN, on August 18, 1963. He spent his early years on farms in Minnesota before the family moved their farming operations to Wisconsin in 1970. He began dating Debra Heldt when he was in high school. They welcomed the birth of their first daughter in 1980. Kirk and Debra married on July 11, 1981, and later had another daughter and a son. Kirk learned to drive a semi-truck from Debra’s father, John; a skill he would utilize throughout his life. He became an over-the-road truck driver in 1983, enjoying the opportunity to travel across the states while providing for his family.

After locating the ideal house in 1988, the family moved to Hillsdale, WI, where the children were raised. Kirk and Debra divorced in 2000, and he met Diane Johnson. Kirk and Diane were married December 26, 2008, and lived in Rice Lake. Kirk and Diane continued to build the trucking business by becoming their own freight brokers under the names of Dirk’s Brokerage, Mastercraft Logistics, Inc., and Dirk’s Express. Kirk continued to run Old School Trucking since 2006. He had many loyal customers in the area throughout the years, allowing him to spend more time at home.

Kirk had a good reputation for his hard work and long hours. However, in his spare time, he loved spending time with his family and helping friends and family with projects. His love for the outdoors and the love of the farm brought him to many jobs and special friendships in the farming community. He took pleasure in working on his trucks and trailers, ensuring they remained in good condition. He was proud to take part in the Barron County Truck Show last year, and he was looking forward to it this year, as well.

Kirk is survived by his wife, Diane; 2 daughters, Angela (Saturnino) De La Torre and Kelly (Matthew) Johnson; a son, Roy (Kaylee) Hutchinson; 5 grandchildren, Nevaeh, Kai, Rhett, Rylee, and Asher; along with his beloved grand-fur-babies. He also leaves behind Diane’s sons, Brandon and Shannon Johnson and their children, Carter and Alexi; siblings, Sherrie Shamlian, Kevin (Debbie) Hutchinson, and Mary (Bill Collins) Hutchinson; former wife/friend, Debra (Philip) Gruenhagen; along with many other relatives, friends, and customers.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Codetta (Arthur) Clark; and great niece, Brooke Baures. A special thank you to Dr. Schreiter for keeping his heart ticking as long as it did. oncology team at Mayo in Barron, and Marshfield Hospice team.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or a cancer research center of your choice are appreciated.

Funeral Services will be held at 1PM Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI. Visitation will be held from 11AM-1PM Thursday at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake.

Last Update: Jun 09, 2025 8:13 am CDT