Dennis Lee Kinsley
Sunday, October 10, 1954
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Age:
60 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday January 30, 2015
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Saturday January 31, 2015
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Pax Christi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Saturday January 31, 2015
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Pax Christi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Sunday, October 10, 1954
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Age:
60 years old
Sunday, October 10, 1954
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Age:
60 years old
Dennis Lee Kinsley
Dennis Kinsley, 60, of Rochester, died Thursday, January 22, 2015, at Rochester Methodist Hospital with his wife at his side.
Dennis was born October 10, 1954, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Orville and Ruth (Reinke) Kinsley. He grew up in rural Rochester and graduated from John Marshall High School, class of 1972. He turned down the opportunity to play college football in order to pursue his interest in the trades.
Dennis graduated from Staples Area Vocational-Technical School on May 29, 1974, after completing a
two-year course in Diesel Mechanics. Early in his career, he worked on several construction projects including the construction of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota. He returned to Minnesota and went to work for various John Deere dealerships, working on industrial and ag equipment. He spent the last 30 years of his career working for the Minnesota Department of Transportation as a heavy equipment mechanic. There he was given the Miles of Smiles Award, which recognizes individuals that create an atmosphere of cooperation and support and have shown themselves to be consistently positive and helpful. In his spare time, he also enjoyed working for Scattered Acres, helping to harvest fall crops.
Dennis met the love of his life, Rose, at a race track in Cresco, Iowa. They were married two years later at Sacred Heart Parish in Meyer, Iowa. They had three sons – Eric, Kevin, and Adam. Closest to his heart was is family. He took great pride in his marriage to his wife of 38 years and the accomplishments of his children. He was thoroughly delighted that he helped raise three sons who grew up to be fine young men.
Over the years, Dennis was very active his the broader community. He was a teacher at heart, and he enjoyed coaching numerous young athletes and/or mentoring several 4-Her’s. He coached Rochester Youth Baseball, Basketball, and Football as well as traveling and AAU teams. He was a 4-H volunteer leader for over 25 years. During that time, he worked on various committees on a club, county and state level. He was an initial founding member of the Shooting Sports and Wildlife Project in Olmsted County. For several years, he served as the Burger Barn manager at the Olmsted County Fair. There, he was known for making the BEST biscuits and gravy in town. For his service, he was given the Silver, Gold, and Pearl Clover Award. He was also given the Friend of 4-H Award. Dennis was also a generous 4-H donor. He sponsored horticulture and animal science projects for young people at the county and state level that promoted opportunities for youth development and leadership. Dennis was also a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Firearm Safety Instructor. For his contributions to the young people of the State of Minnesota, he was given a Certificate of Commendation by Governor Rudy Perpich.
Dennis, his wife, and his son, Eric, also had Kinsley Show Lambs. Dennis took great solace in working with the sheep on a day to day basis, taking them to livestock shows, and helping to market them across the country. He also enjoyed the pleasures of country living. Dennis led a very purposeful life. He enjoyed being a good friend and neighbor. He always had a pleasant smile, a good sense of humor, a kind heart, and a genuine interest in others. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cribbage, attending county and state fairs, cooking and canning and gardening with his wife, attending car races, and going on long scenic drives.
Dennis was a shining example of how to live life. He will be forever loved and remembered for having the heart of a champion.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Rose; three sons: Eric Kinsley (Kristin Jackson) of Dennison; their son, Kevin (Staci) Kinsley and their children, Parker and Ava, of Rochester; and Adam Kinsley (Victoria Szuberski) of Rochester; parents, Orville and Ruth Kinsley of Rochester; sister, Cindy (Wayne) Haabala of Farwell; brother, Galen “Shorty” (Michelle) Kinsley of Rochester; mother-in-law, Bernice Runde of Riceville, Iowa; and five sister-in-laws: Mary (Charles) Oviatt, Donna (Ron) Fritsch, Pat (Steve) Stensrud, and Bev Timmons, all of Rochester, and Catherine (Richard) Adams of Riceville, Iowa. Dennis is also survived by 21 loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, LeRoy and Luella Reinke; Earl and Frana Kinsley; and his father-in-law, James Runde.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 31, at Pax Christi Catholic Church. A private internment will be held at a later date.
There will be a visitation on Friday, January 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral service at Pax Christi Catholic Church.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Dennis Lee Kinsley has received the following condolences.
Rose and boys - It is hard to lose a loved one, but know he is in God's hands now, and that you have an angel watching over you.
Dear Rose and "boys,"
Words fail. You have been so much in my thoughts. Thinking of Dennis puts me back on the farm with my Mom and Dad, Dennis standing so tall in the kitchen, and being so incredibly generous with his time. His willingness to help them, his generosity of spirit, his pride in all of you . . . what a wonderful person. And he had the good sense to marry a wonderful woman. That says a lot for his good sense! I am so grateful - though that is a weak word - for all that he did to help my folks stay on the farm as long as they did. I am not doing a good job of wrapping my brain around him being gone. That he should go so young is so stupidly unfair, but I am glad he is free of pain. And I know that his spirit will always be with you all. His positive energy won't blow away.
I plan to make it to the funeral.
With deepest sympathies and appreciation for the great man Dennis was.
Janet
Dear Mrs. Kingsley
I'm sorry for your loss. I read your husbands obituary. It sounded like he was a great guy. My condolences to you and your family. Come back to school soon, the seventh graders miss you!
Meghan Judge
To Rose and Family,
Our sympathies and prayers to you and your family. Dennis lived a life full of love and friendships.
We were privileged to meet him and enjoyed his visits.
Dennis will be missed and remembered with fondness
Today I received Dennis' obituary from a friend in Rochester.
My condolences to the whole family.
His father Orville and my husband were cousins. My husband was David L. Kinsley.
I was a good friend of his mother's we went to school together.
I pray for the whole family, that they may be comforted by our Lord in the days to come.
Rose, Eric, Kevin and Adam:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. Dennis will always be remember by our household with all the fun we had with basketball. Dennis will be missed by all that knew him. May god bless you and help you during this healing time.
Davis Family
Robyn Don Keith and Amanda
Rose, Erik, Kevin and Adam,
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Dennis' passing far too soon. I have wonderful memories of our sons growing up together and of Dennis' smile, wit and constant presence in their lives. My deepest sympathies.
Nood
Rose,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I had only met Dennis a few times, but am so impressed by his involvement & volunteering in so many organizations. What a great example of a full & meaningful life. I am praying for strength & comfort for you and your family during this difficult time.
Deb Weinrich
Dear Rose and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing, my sincere condolences. I always remember seeing you both at youth ball games, involved in teaching, coaching and cheering our youth. What wonderful years! What wonderful examples for youth and adults alike. Dennis always had a smile to share. Good memories! Thank you for the memories.
Most Sincerely,
Anne Koschmeder
Rose so sorry for your loss. Although I didn't know your husband from what I hear he was one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jana
I was sorry to read of Dennis' passing in the Rochester Post Bulletin. My deepest sympathy. He sounds like he was a terrific guy and family man. He was way too young. I wish I lived closer to be able attend his funeral and connect with this side of my family ( I am the daughter of Ernest and Marian Ottjes. Myrtle Beach was my grandmother). I hope you know who I am. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Julie
Rose and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis passing. I owe a tremendous amount of who I am today to the lessons I learned from Dennis during all of those years. As I get closer to having a family of my own I spend more and more time reflecting on the male figures from my childhood and it's clear that the example Dennis gave his own sons definitely did not stop with them. He towers high in my memory not only in stature but also in presence of being. A true champion!
Jess Noe
Rose and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. We feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to know him. He was truly a kind man and we will miss visiting with him.
Our prayers are with you and your family for our dear Lord to help guide you through this most difficult time.
Bob and Jacque Bonsi
Eric and Kristin.
It was a pleasure to have met you a few times over the years thru Eric and Kristin. You led a wonderful life which your family is greatful. Thoughts and prayers with all of you.
Kathy Jackson
Rose,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. We both know that Dennis is in a better place and that you will see him again. I've missed seeing you at the school and I'm sure your students miss you as well.
Don Kuschel
Rose and family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We did not know Dennis well, but he was always friendly when our paths crossed. In reading his obituary, we are very sure he played a very big part in many lives. We will be unable to attend his funeral as we are in Texas for a couple of months. Please except our condolences. Dick and Judy Hemann
Rose and Family--I am so very sorry to hear about Dennis. He along with you coached my son Adam in basketball. You both were the best coaches he could of had. Dennis was such a wonderful guy. I am at a loss for words......just know that I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. Hugs.......