EDINA, Minn. (WCCO) — As the youngest of four brothers, Quinn Kirsch had to be energetic. But early in life, that was a struggle.

Quinn was born with a heart defect, and doctors installed a pacemaker when he was 2.

“Up until Sunday he was living the life of a normal 8-year-old running around, playing hockey, and football and baseball,” said Quinn’s godfather, Dan Miller.

On Sunday, Quinn did what he loved most.

He played hockey all day long. But that night, unexpectedly, he went into cardiac arrest. Doctors were able to stabilize him for a short time. But just after midnight, Quinn passed away surrounded by those he loved.

On Wednesday, every child at Quinn’s school created and decorated a luminary in his memory. They were put on display outside his visitation, more than 800 in all.

“If you were able to read each of the messages in these individual bags, each is so special,” said family friend, Dana Dokman.

Thursday will be just as special. Quinn loved his Irish heritage, Edina hockey, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

So people are encouraged to line the streets with green balloons on Thursday morning. Jerry’s Foods had more than 1,700 of them on hand. They are expecting to sell them all.

“Quinn was a bundle of energy and the light of the world for anyone who ever met him,” Dokman said. “For his short time here on earth, the life that he has shown will live on through all of us. He was an incredible little boy.”

Quinn’s funeral will be Thursday at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Church. He also attended school at Our Lady of Grace and classes have been canceled for his funeral.