This year has certainly taken it's toll by taking from us those that are close. How can I describe George. I met him for the first time 5 years ago. He was as wary of me as I was of him. That wariness though, was the product of the love he had for his son John. I believe his heart broke every time John's heart was broken. Over the years he and I developed what I like to think of as a mutual respect. I certainly respected him. He and I didn't agree on everything, but I respected his opinions even while sometimes grumbling under my breath. *chuckle*Snippets of George through my eyes:
George Kinsler was a strong man, one who took no guff from anyone. He ruled his domain with an iron fist covered with the perverbial velvet glove. He raised no pansies, but rather 4 strong willed children who look at life with the same passion he did.
His delights in life were watching his grandchildren discover their world, hunting, taking rides on his ATV, golfing and keeping a finger on the Technical College system in Wisconsin.
He was an avid and sometimes rabid Republican who believed in the constitution. In other words, an old school Republican. A Patriot to the core he never failed to rise when the American flag went by in a parade.
The primary passion in life was his wife, Pat. Married for 61 years, he never failed to kiss her goodnight or tell her that he loved her - perhaps not always in words but in the little things that he did to make her life a bit easier.
When I went to Tomahawk the first time he and my dog became fast friends. He regailed me with tales of his "Penny," the dog who would eat anything he ate - including grapefruit!
We discussed many topics from deer hunting (no women allowed *grinz*), patriotism, fishing, guns, family, loyalty and friends.
While in Tomahawk, he introduced me to the pleasures of the Tomahawk Lodge where we would go and literally feast... this photo was taken for his daughter Karla's birthday in November 2005. It was the last time I saw him... thanks again for a wonderful weekend George.
When John and I would come down to FL to visit him and his wife, he never failed to find something to take us too, and through his eyes I got to see the space program, the ocean through a ocean going gambling ship, and the world of Florida in general. He did think it rather strange that I wanted to see a crocodile and I listened to him extoil the dangers of getting too close to them. That put an end to my searching out the one that lived in their retirement center.
I didn't know him as well as I could have, to my regret. But I will know him better through the eyes of his children and grandchildren as they recount their stories of his long and very productive life.
Goodbye George. May angels enfold you in their arms and keep you safe.
His obituary from the Milwaukee Journal:
Tomahawk, WI/ Monona, WI/ Winter Haven, FL - George R Kinsler was guided to the Lord our Father on Sunday, December 18, 2005.
George was born May 27, 1924 in Red Granite, Wisconsin. He and his siblings (Marion, Henrietta, Oliver, Norine, Alice, Rosalin, and Edith) were raised by their parents, Oliver and Lina (Moon), in the heart of the Great Depression, where George forged his iron-like work ethic. He developed his feisty spirit boxing at Oshkosh High School, and he never failed to mention with great detail the moment he met his first and only love, Patricia Ann Wood. They married in Oshkosh on January 16, 1944, danced elegantly to "Red Sails in the Sunset", and eventually bore five children: Constance Joy (dec.), George Oliver (Ramona Rohr), John Lester (Kimberlee Fitzgerald), Karla Kay (Larry Redepenning), and David Paul (Jennifer Okray).
A man of commitment and integrity, George enlisted in the United States Navy prior to U.S. involvement in World War II. At seventeen he landed in Pearl Harbor just after Christmas 1941; flew PBY-5 Dumbo rescue missions under fire in the Pacific Theatre with VP-24; and continued his service well past the war's end.
The consummate educator, George graduated from Stout State College B.S. Industrial Education (magna cum laude) M.S. Vocational Education (Phi Delta Kappa) While continuing post-graduate research at Penn State University, he held a number of integral teaching posts: Automotive & Drivers Education Instructor in Lincoln Park, MI in August of 1953; Automotive Instructor at La Crosse Vocational School until 1960; Trade and Industry Coordinator at Beloit Vocational School. In 1963, he and his family moved to Monona, WI, when he became the Trade & Industry Supervisor with the State Board of Vocational & Adult Education. In 1967, he was Chief of Trade and Industry for the SBVAE, and in 1972 he was named Director of the Bureau of Program Development. In this capacity he served on several national boards, of which in 1974 he was selected to be the Director of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which led to the creation of the present-day national standards (ASE Certification) for all auto mechanics. George was never beyond the compass of the classroom: his insight and bold expertise guided organized labor, manufacturing, and politicians from both sides of the aisle to fund vocational education in the state of Wisconsin.
Retiring to Tomahawk in 1984, George continued to dedicate himself to his community by serving as president of the Lincoln County Retired Educators and helped start the Tomahawk chapter of AARP; he was a life member of the American Legion and VFW, as well as the Kaneohe Klippers and the Commission on Aging in Tomahawk. Illustrative of his fidelity, George was raised a master Mason, conferred York Rite, and walked the "hotsands" of the Zor Shrine. He, alongside his brother Oliver while in Winter Haven, became an avid golfer; he was a vigorous outdoorsman; however, it was his passionate zeal to teach fishing, hunting, boxing, telling the truth and revering family to his eleven grandchildren: Tobias (Jennell) Kinsler; Amanda (Paul) Lavoe; Martha (Tony) Hanfeld; Katie Fox; Andrew Kinsler (Elizabeth Stremkis), Stacey (Ivan) Solomon; Timothy, Lisa, and Matthew Redepenning; Grant and Samantha Kinsler; and three great-grandchildren: Jackson Kinsler, Princess Yawa Lavoe, and Alexander Hanfeld.
A celebration of George's life will take place on July 2nd, 2006, 11am at his "Happy Acres" deer stand, Tomahawk, WI. A private, family ceremony took place December 23, 2005 at Monona United Methodist Church. Those wishing to participate in George's legacy may contribute charitable donations to The George R. Kinsler Vocational Education Advancement Fund, P.O. Box 14020, Madison, WI 53708.
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