Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Maurice Kirlin, MD, age 97, of Okoboji, was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation took place on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Inurnment was at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Lakes Regional Healthcare Foundation at PO Box AB Spirit Lake, IA 51360.
Dr. Kirlin passed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.
Dr. Maurice Walter Kirlin, known to most as “Maury”, was born December 2, 1928, to Maurice M. Kirlin and Verda Emeline (Walter) Kirlin in Omaha, Nebraska. He was an only child and grew up in Missouri Valley, Iowa, where he developed a lifelong love of language, music and service to others.
Maury was a talented musician, playing organ for his church at age 12. In high school he won first place in state for solo clarinet and solo piano.
Maury graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 1947. In May of that year, shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany, where he proudly served with the 298th Army Band as first chair clarinet. He used his time in the military to learn German and travel around Europe.
In 1949, following his two years of military service, Maury enrolled as a pre-med student at the University of Iowa. After his graduation in 1952, Maury continued his education at the University of Iowa Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1956.
Following a year of internship, beginning in 1956 at Cincinnati General Hospital, he spent four years specializing in surgery and internal medicine at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Veteran’s Hospital in Iowa City.
After his medical training was complete, Maury was a Dominican Novitiate in Winona, Minnesota, from the fall of 1961 to the fall of 1962.
In 1962, Dr. Kirlin began his medical practice at Spirit Lake Medical Center in Spirit Lake, Iowa, where he faithfully served his patients and community for 37 years. Known for his steady presence, thoughtful care, and deep commitment to his profession, he touched countless lives before retiring in 1999.
In May of 1970, Maurice married Ruth Neustrom, a widow with three young children. This was a huge step for a bachelor but Maury rose to the challenge. Together they added two more children to their family and built a life rooted in faith, family, and shared values. Maurice was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Maury appreciated the beauty of living in the Okoboji area. His family enjoyed all the activities of living on a lake. A highlight for Maury was spending time with his sons on hunting trips. Over the years his children and grandchildren have loved visiting Okoboji and spending time at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
Throughout his life, Maury maintained a deep appreciation for classical music and was an accomplished pianist. He also had a strong interest in Latin and religious studies. A member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake, his faith was central to his life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on many committees with the Dickinson County Republican Party.
Maurice is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth (Faulkender) Kirlin, and children, Mark Neustrom, Kirk (Tina) Neustrom, Penny (Mike) Kilen, Ryan (Krissy) Kirlin, and Kevin (Anna) Kirlin. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Brody Coffman, Bennett (Ally) Coffman, Jocelyn Coffman (Zach Knudtson), Kyle Neustrom, Kara (Ryan) Enerson, Brett Neustrom, Danny Neustrom, Aidan Kirlin, Suzie Kirlin, Oliver Kirlin and Charlie Kirlin, and several nieces and nephews.
Maury will be remembered for his dedication to medicine, his love of music and learning, his steady faith, and his deep devotion to his family. His life was one of service, intellect, and quiet strength. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
