"So sorry for your loss, he was a great guy. Bruce Teigen"
In loving memory of
Earl J Kinneberg
February 12, 1946 - July 28, 2022
Earl Kinneberg entered the world on February 12, 1946, then provided love and laughs to friends and family until he died at home in Rochester on July 28, 2022. He was married to his Preston High School sweetheart, Diane, for 55 years and they had two sons. He enjoyed a life full of family activities and cherished time with his six grandchildren who were loved while also perplexed by Grandpa's ability to "pull his thumb off."
After school, Earl joined the US Army and spent over a year in Vietnam earning two Purple Hearts among his many honors. He ultimately dedicated 33 years of service including spending his 21st birthday in Vietnam and his 50th birthday in Bosnia. His lifelong work ethic was infectious as Earl worked on the family farm as a child, was a rural mail carrier until retirement, and then enjoyed chauffeuring the bus for local sports teams to their games. He also continued to operate a newer storage facility business with his son.
Earl was blessed with numerous lifelong friends and thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, and all of the story-filled camaraderie. Did you know that "it takes a big dog to weigh a ton?" He also truly embraced his time impacting lives in the community. He brought smiles and balloon animals to parade goers as a Masonic Merry Medic while also serving in a leadership position for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He also was a past president of R.A.C.E., the local Corvette Club.
While he was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Orillie, he leaves behind an energetic family: Wife Diane Kinneberg; sons David (Angela) and Doug (Beth); grandchildren Andrew, Liam, Norah, Carter, Cline, and Coco; brothers Ernest (Eileen), Elden (Denise); sisters Elaine Maust (Bob), Eleanor Stultz, Eloise Ostrem (John), Enda Burgess; brothers-in-law Donald Schultz, Jerry (Jan) Schultz, Lyle (Cheryl) Schultz; sisters-in-law Jane Christensen, Mary (Lloyd) Flint, Kristi Schultz. He also leaves an extensive friend network that he valued beyond measure.
A memorial service will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 at 10:30 AM with burial at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022 at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 7110 or Zumbro Lutheran Church are welcomed.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kinneberg family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"Deepest sympathy to family. What a good man!"
"Diane, I am so sorry to hear of Earl?s passing. I?m thinking of you and your family and extending my sincere condolences. Carol Mowery"
"So sorry to hear of this major loss for Diane and the Kinneberg family. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve. Our sympathies to you. ?Julie and Will Healy"
"To a great Dad, Grand Dad and Husband, you will be missed Joe Powers family and all of us at the Honker"
"Earl was such a great neighbor to have growing up. He was always genuinely interested in what was going on in my life, and always had tootsie rolls and a pop waiting for me when I was done mowing that hill. The best part was just chatting with him. Thank you Earl, and our prayers are with the Kinnebergs."
"Earl was a man whom throughout my military career I looked up to. He possessed wisdom with a great sense of humor. I sincerely enjoyed our time together and Grieve his passing. Randy Johnson "
"My family lived across the street from the Kinneberg's for about 10 years. Earl was the best neighbor anyone could have - willing to help with anything. Some of my favorite memories are when I would arrive home from work, and Earl would call me over from his garage to "talk about something important". We would share a beverage and solve a lot of the world's problems. I will always cherish these times - RIP Earl! Diane & family - our prayers and deepest sympathies. The Faber Family"
"Diane, we are so sorry to hear the news of your beloved husband?s passing. Our deep condolences to you and the rest of the family. Chanda & Chyloh"
"There are few friends like Earl. He was always the first with a smile, a laugh, a good story. Always there with support. We spent many, many hours together in military service and in friendship. You will be greatly missed my friend. Diane and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. You know you had a GREAT man in Earl."
"What a wonderful, humorous man. And a terrific Army buddy besides!!! Rest in peace my friend. Tony"
"Our family's deepest sympathy to the Kinneberg family. This picture is one we will never forget, Earl. That smile was worn often. Rest in Peace, Earl. Strength in Faith. Peace in Prayer to the Kinneberg family. God's Peace - the Trahan Family"