"Uncle Ray informed me and I wish to express my deepest sympathy to all of you."
In loving memory of
Robert Joseph Kanz
September 6, 1926 - December 31, 2004
LEWISTON, MINN. - Robert Joseph Kanz, 78, of Lewiston, died Friday, December 31, 2004, at his home.
He was born on September 6, 1926 in Winona, Minn. to Ben and Lucille (Kohner) Kanz. Bob graduated from Lewiston High School in 1944, went into the U.S. Navy two days after graduation and served 20 months on the U.S.S. Rapidan as a ships cook. Bob was dedicated to agriculture all of his life. He was Chairman of the Board of Lewiston Feed and Produce; member of the Farmers Elevator Association of Minnesota for 40 years; served on the Board of Trustees for Merchants Bank-Winona, 58 year member of the American Legion; Past Commander of Post 90 American Legion; Winona County Commander of the American Legion; Past member, Board of Directors of Winona Country Club; inducted into the Winona County Fair Hall of Fame; Past volunteer of the Lewiston Fire Department; Served on Lewiston City Council; Board of Directors of Lewiston Sales Barn; Served on Winona Area Hospice Board; and lifetime member of St. Rose Catholic Church and served on church council. Bob was an avid bowler and enjoyed golf, travel, and lawn care, but most of all he loved spending time at the cabin on the river with his ever-growing family. He was an amazingly giving and genuine man with an incredible work ethic. He was greatly loved and will be missed dearly.
Bob was preceded in death by his Mother in 1943 and Father in 1968. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty of 52 years; six children: Nancy, Michael (Becky), Colleen, Steven (June), Jack (Debbie) and Patricia; 13 grandchildren: Holly, Theresa, Katie, Emily, Ben, Paul, Shannon, Christina, Corey, Elizabeth, Michelle, John Jr., and Robert II; four great-grandchildren: Michaela, Eliana, Abby, and Cadence; six sisters: Betty (Oliver) Younger of Northfield, Geraldine (Darrell) Sturgis of Rochester, Olivia (Tom) Heim of St. Charles, Donna (Pat) Daley of Lewiston, Bernadine (John) Mayzek of Winona and Mary (Jim) Paszkiewicz of Winona; and two brothers: Tom (Janet) Kanz of Rochester and Dick (Nadine) Kanz of Winona.
There will be a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2005, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 3, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Memorials are preferred to the Lewiston Area Cancer Support Group.
Tributes
"Dearest Bob, You gave too much of your heart away. You were the first one there, when we had a problem; the first one there when we were sick or had a death of someone special. I talked to a farmer at your wake, and he said you were the first one there when his dad died, so it wasn't just family, you were there for everyone you knew. We will miss you terribly, but you will forever be in my prayers. I will embrace those kisses and hugs from you. Be happy with God in heaven and our parents. Your loving sister, Olivia."
"Bob Kanz was one of the most family oriented business people I have ever known. Through his actions, he left a legacy to family, to his church, and to the Lewiston community in general. He will be greatly missed.... "
"I didn't know Bob, but if it's true that children are a reflection of their parents, than I know that like Pat, Bob was one of the most genuine and caring people in your life with a true passion for everything they do."
"Don't think I've ever felt as proud as I do tonight to a part of this family. The tribute to Bob last night at the wake and today at the funeral was unbelieveable. So many people. Thank you for the heartfelt stories of Bob's generosity and care. He truly was an example of what it means to be a Christian. We will miss him more than words can say."
"I remember back in the 1970's putting on custom fertilizer for Lewiston Feed & Produce. You could call the office telephone number at 5AM any day and Bob would always answer. When on the Merchants Bank Board at a tour of our dairy, Bob commented positively to me about our project. He was an inspiration to me and I am a better person for knowing him. Bob was truly a member of the Greatest Generation."
"As a young girl, I worked for Snooks and Elmer at the Recreation Cafe as a waitress. Bob would come in with Syl Duane every day for coffee. Bob was always a very nice, respectful man. He was also very generous, and would give me a very nice tip at Christmas. My Sympathys to all of you."
"We would like to give the family our sympathy.Bob was always willing to help out anyone.You would see him in the spring cleaning up his Son's and niece's yards. He loved to do yard work. The Lord will pay him greatly for all his good deeds that he has done here on Earth!"
"Bob was a most valued board member of Merchants Bank-Winona. His soft-spoken and wise counsel are greatly missed. His strong loyalty and dependability were a great asset to the Merchants organization. Bob and Betty's friendship was very valued, and their traditional values shared by Susan and me. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Betty and the Kanz family. Pete and Susan Roehl"
"The life my dear brother Bob lived so well, with his caring and giving to my family, and me leaves lovely memories we will cherish forever."
"Bob was a person that we all looked up to. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. May God Bless him on his journey to heaven."
"To the family of Bob Kanz, To let you know you're thought about at this difficult time with sympathy and prayers. God Bless"