Julien E. Kinzer

Julien Emile Kinzer, 86, passed away June 3, 2009, at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Milwaukee, following a short stay. Mr. Kinzer was a long-time educator, teaching English at Goodrich High School from 1957 until his retirement in 1985. During his time at Goodrich, he also served as Chairman of the English Department, faculty advisor to the yearbook, faculty advisor to the Ski Club, and wrestling coach. Prior to arriving in Fond du Lac, Mr. Kinzer had also been a teacher at smaller schools in Utica and Streator, Illinois.Mr. Kinzer was born in Ottawa, Illinois, on December 15, 1922. He grew up on his family farm, the eighth of nine children. Mr. Kinzer served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a Sergeant in an airlift unit, stationed in China, Burma, and India, from 1943-1946. After his discharge, he attended and graduated from the University of Illinois. While there, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Fowlie, in 1947. Together they raised seven children. One child, Kathleen, predeceased her parents in 1982. Mrs. Jean Kinzer preceded her husband in death in 2002.Mr. Kinzer was an active member and frequently an officer of several clubs and service organizations in Fond du Lac. He was a past Grand Exalted Ruler of the BPO Elks Lodge 57, was a Past Master of Masonic Lodge 26, and was a long-time member and chaplain of the Exchange Club. He was also a 52 year member and a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Fond du Lac. It was there he met and then married Mildred Kremer in 2004. Mr. Kinzer was an avid traveler, visiting all 50 states and more than 40 countries on 6 continents. He also enjoyed playing golf as well as bridge and other card games.He is survived by his wife, Mildred; two brothers, Kenneth of Utica, Illinois, and Bernard of Pawling, New York; two sisters, Ione of Chicago, and Betty of Tallahassee, Florida; six of his children: Cynthia (Dale) of Redondo Beach, California, Christine (Marie) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Deborah of Manhattan Beach, California, James (Aaron) of Chicago, Richard of Manhattan Beach, and Rebecca (Craig) of Menomonee Falls; four stepchildren: Mark (Lisa), Marcy (Don), Mike (Deb), and Matt (Sally). Mr. Kinzer also leaves behind seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and one step-great grandchild.The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 31 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac, with Rev. Larry Witt officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Ottawa, IL.The visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Mach Funeral Chapel & Crematory and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church.

Julien E. Kinzer

December 15, 1922 - June 13, 2009