"I was saddened when I saw this obituary. I grew up in Murray and remember Reverend Kinzler and his family. All so kind. Was trying hard to remember what period of time he was a pastor in Murray. I think I was pretty young, however this family always has been a pleasant memory for me. Reverend Kinzler still looks the same, so I think I would have recognized him by his picture. My thoughts and prayers to his family. Thank you all for giving me pleasant memories from your time serving at our church. My name is Jan Reynolds and my parents were Elva and Leona Wolfe. My mother recently passed away in January. May your memories comfort you at this very difficult time. "
In loving memory of
Herbert Wallace Kinzler
April 20, 1929 - March 21, 2019
Reverend Herbert Wallace Kinzler, age 89, of Ames, Iowa passed away at Green Hills Health Care Center in Ames, on March 21, 2019. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa. Burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Wally was born April 20, 1929 in Kenmore, North Dakota, the son of Reverend Otto and Helen (Garriott) Kinzler. He graduated from Milnor High School in Milnor, North Dakota. After high school, Wally attended Bible School at Kletzing College. He married the love of his life Betty Schwartz on March 18, 1952 in Ottumwa, Iowa.
He continued his education at Iowa Wesleyan University, transferred to Simpson College to complete his bachelor's degree, and then Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary. Wally was then ordained as a Methodist pastor. Over his 41 years in the ministry, Wally served at Fairfield Circuit Appanoose County Parish, Murray, Chicago (Brookfield), West Chester, Menlo/ Jefferson Center, Glidden, Dumont, Mason City First, Kingsley, and Ackley/Geneva. He retired in 1993.
Post retirement, Wally served as an interim pastor for 3 years and then as the calling pastor for 1st United Methodist Church in Ames, IA. He then continued his ministry as company counselor and chaplain for employees and customers at Kinzler Construction Services, Inc in Ames, Iowa. He was of course disguised as truck loader, driver and lawn maintenance man.
Wally was passionate for God's mission to meet every person and touch every life with love. He met people where they were, churched or unchurched; at coffee or in their tractor; holding a fishing pole or hunting in the field. Wally did mission trips to Red Bird, Kentucky and Zimbabwe, Africa. He chartered the Menlo Lion's Club and was an active Lion's member in each community he served. When at Glidden, Wally and a close friend spun the vision and raised support to start New Hope Village, a home for individuals with disabilities, in Carroll, Iowa. He was honored last year at New Hope's 40-year celebration.
Wally leaves this world with many beautiful, lifelong friendships from every place he lived. But most impacted by his love and guidance, was his family.
Wally is survived by his wife, Betty Kinzler; children, Kevin (Yvonne) Kinzler, Karen LaFee; grandchildren, Tanner (Emily) Kinzler, Lacey Kinzler, Whitney (Mitch) Longtin, Chase (Alexandra) Pitzer, Tatum (Adam) Kaldenberg, Zoey Smith; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Jean Englerth, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Revered Otto Edward Kinzler Jr., Revered Frances (Asbury) Kinzler, sister Mable Mulock; and great grandchildren Kate Kinzler and Lilly Longtin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa, or New Hope, PO Box 887, Carroll, Iowa 51401.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Thoughts and prayers for all of the family in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I have many wonderful memories of your years spent of the Menlo UMC with Wally as our Pastor. May God comfort you in the months ahead. Robin Clark Robbins (Clinton Iowa)"
"I was so sorry to read of Wally's death. He led a wonderful life of service to others. I was very happy to meet him at the Schwartz reunion and was thankful he agreed to give the prayer for dinner. It was great seeing him again a year or so ago. Our sympathy to Betty and all of the family."
"We will always remember Wally with his big smile and great sense of humor. He brought so much light into the lives of those around him with his kind and gentle nature. And what a wonderful love and life he had with Betty, so very blessed! Our thoughts are with you all today even though we were sadly unable to be there. Earl, Mary, Susan, & Jim"
"My condolences to your family. May the promise found at John 11:24-25 give you some comfort for your loss."
"Sending our sincere sympathy to Betty and family. Sue and Bill Bokhoven"
"I was surprised to read on the Conference website this morning of Wally's death. He was a great friend, and I will miss him. I will not be at the visitation or services as I no longer travel beyond the DesMoines metro. However I will be with you in remembrance. Bob Robinson"
"We?re saddened to learn of Pastor Wally?s passing and we pass along our most sincere condolences to Betty and family. Wally was always an interesting and humorous person to share a conversation and bring a smile to your face. Such coincidence that I was in church yesterday listening to a tall Methodist minister and I thought of Wally.... Ron & Jackie Smith"