Kirk Alan Priefert, 66, of Gove, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the family farm where he was born, raised, and spent his life.

He was born October 12, 1959, in Gove County, Kansas, to August Jr. and Betty Jo (Gillespie) Priefert.

Kirk was a lifetime resident of Gove County, deeply rooted in the land and community he loved. The family farm was more than just where he lived — it was where his life's story unfolded. Many in the community knew Kirk through his years of service with the Gove City Fire Department and through the friendships he built across Gove County.

He proudly served his neighbors as Fire Chief of the Gove City Fire Department, dedicating countless hours to protecting and helping others. He was also a member of the Gove Odd Fellows Lodge (IOOF).

He enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with friends. One of his favorite places to be was Shad's shop, where he could often be found sitting and visiting while Shad worked away building or welding.

He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and was a member of ABATE Division 13 of Kansas, a motorcyclists' rights organization dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of motorcycle riders. The name ABATE stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. Over the years he owned several bikes, including a red Harley-Davidson FXR and his favorite, a 2006 Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

He also loved flying. From massive RC model airplanes to modern drones, anything that could take to the sky captured his interest. His enthusiasm for aviation was even reflected in his personalized license plate that proudly read "LUV2FLY."

He was well known for attending car shows, where he not only enjoyed the camaraderie but proudly displayed his trophy-winning Dodge Viper. In his later years, he found joy in driving around the farm in his Mahindra Roxor, continuing to enjoy the land that had been such an important part of his life.

He will be remembered for his love of machines, the freedom of the open road, and the quiet satisfaction of a life spent on the family farm. More than anything, he valued the friendships and community that surrounded him throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August Jr. and Betty Jo Priefert; and his brother, Don Ernest Priefert.

He is survived by his son, Robin Priefert.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St., Quinter, Kansas. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Interment will follow the service at Gove Cemetery in Gove, Kansas.

Memorial contributions are suggested to ABATE Division 13 and may be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

The family invites those who wish to share memories or leave condolences to do so by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com .

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