Michael Stanley Kirchner of Mission Viejo passed away peacefully at home with his family on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Born in 1950 in Baltimore, Maryland, to Stanley and Mary Kirchner, Michael was the eldest of their five sons. At the age of six, he moved with his family to Littleton, Colorado. Following his graduation from Arapahoe High School, he attended the Colorado School of Mines, where he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in Chemical and Petroleum Refining Engineering.In 1973, Michael moved to Southern California, where he met his wife Judy. They were married in 1978 and welcomed their children in 1980 and 1988.

Michael enjoyed a remarkable 52-year career as a software engineer, working for Union Oil, Occidental Petroleum, and Simulation Sciences (now AVEVA). He took great pride in solving complex problems and was especially fond of "exterminating" computer bugs.

In his younger years, Michael enjoyed skiing and spending time at the beach. Throughout his life, he loved playing Chinese Checkers and Backgammon, watching Hallmark movies, and relaxing with his beloved dachshunds, Violet and Rosie.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; daughter Elizabeth and son Scott; son-in-law Jay and daughter-in-law Nicole; brothers David, Timothy, Brian, and James; sisters-in-law Wendy and Diane; and grandchildren Nicholas, Zachary, Colton, Kassidy, and Mason.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in July.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mission Viejo Animal Services (https://www.missionviejo.gov/departments/animal-services/donate-now) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Honor Program (http://www.stjude.org/donate).