William “Bill” Henry Nirk, 72, of Owatonna, Minn., died Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at Prairie Manor Care Center, Blooming Prairie, Minn.

Bill was born July 21, 1940, in Shenandoah, Iowa, to Henry and Rose (Vandiver) Nirk. In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Vietnam Special Forces, Beach Jumper Unit, Team 12. He continued serving the Navy as a recruiter until his retirement in 2005. In 1968, Bill married Janet Trauth. The couple later divorced. Bill moved to Minnesota eight years ago to be near his sons.

He enjoyed building models, was a Civil War history buff, and collected coins and books. He continued skydiving until the age of 40. Bill was a stern but loving father who gave everything for family and friends.

Survivors include his two sons, Greg (Jennifer) Nirk of Blooming Prairie and Tom (Karen) Nirk of Owatonna; seven grandchildren, Zachery, Dylan, Andrew, Cody, Grace, Kaylee, Sophea; half-brother Daryl Wallace of Kentucky; and half-sister Cathy Goodson of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Rose Nirk; and a brother, John Nirk.

A graveside service will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis with the Rev. Julie Malone of Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna officiating. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.