Kirk Parkin

Kirk L. Parkin, 71, of Middleton, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026 after battling dementia for the past 3 years.

Kirk worked as a professor in the University of Wisconsin Department of Food Science for over 33 years. His areas of study included enzymology and phytochemistry. He was known for taking initiative, his quiet self reliance, high intelligence and a good sense of humor. His graduate students appreciated his warm and outgoing personality and enjoyed a great rapport with him over the years.

Prior to his appointment at UW-Madison, he received his B.S. in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, M.S. in Food Science from University of California, Davis, and Ph.D in Food Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Kirk was a devoted father and husband. He spent every summer Saturday morning for 14 years serving as a timer for his sons’ swim meets. He coached baseball and soccer and also attended all of their events. He loved riding his bike, gardening and traveling with his wife. During his retirement, Kirk took pride in volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Ping Sun, son Archer Parkin of Middleton, brothers Chris (Mary Buglion) Parkin of New York and Robert Parkin of Washington and 6 nieces and nephews. Other relatives include Yuping Sun and Jiangong Sun of China.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Helen Parkin of New York and son Zack in 2016.

Memorials may be given to the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center), 2865 North Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704. Checks may be made out to ADRC-Dementia Support Group Program.