Kirchofer graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School in 1939 and North High School in 1943. He continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Municipal University of Omaha, later University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a master’s degree from Creighton University. He continued to audit classes at Creighton and Metropolitan Community College even into his 80s, illustrating his love of lifelong learning.
He served in the U.S. Army in an infantry squad of the Anti-Tank Company, 35th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Pvt. Kirchofer earned the Combat Infantry Badge in the mountains of Northern Luzon, Philippines and later served in the occupation forces in Japan culminating in an Honorable Discharge on Nov. 18, 1946.
Kirchofer traveled twice to China with Creighton in his 80s. He kept in contact with friends in Japan for over 60 years. Kirchofer provided decade-long and ongoing support to the Philosophy for Children project and to the Asian World Center at Creighton.
