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Thomas Kinney Obituary
East Lansing
Born in Ontario, Canada September 19, 1920, to Thomas Kinney and Winifred Gallivan Kinney. He is survived by his cherished and beloved wife, Stella Schmitz Kinney. Tom grew up on a farm in Morrice, Michigan, caring for his parents and managing a successful dairy farm until he was recruited by the Farm Credit System. He then began his 25 year career, rising to the rank of Branch Manager at the Production Credit Association in Mason, Michigan. Tom was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing, Michigan, and a Eucharistic Minister, taking communion to the homebound and disabled. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for over 40 years and acted as president for many of those years, helping the disadvantaged. The Knights of Columbus, Golden Kiwanis, benefited by his hard work and lifelong membership, including being a 4th degree Knight.
Tom is further survived by his brother, John Robert "Jack" Kinney and his wife Jill, of Phoenix, Arizona; niece Kathleen Kinney Lorenz and her children, Erik and Kerry; nephew Kevin Kinney (wife Patricia) and their children, Caitlin and Maureen; nephew Timothy Kinney (wife Deborah) and their children, Allison and Jack; niece Nancy Kinney Twichell (husband Mark) and their children, Kurt, Jay and Shannon; niece Jane Kinney Huber (husband Patrick); nephew Thomas Robert Kinney (wife Kristin); nephew John Michael Kinney.
Tom was a most devoted and generous uncle, taking pride in his nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Indeed, they hold fond memories of him taking them on summer road trips, and teaching them how to drive with a steady hand and speed. His Irish heritage could be seen in his outgoing personality and caring manner, which provided him with many lifelong friends throughout the area. He was a great study of human nature and a fine storyteller. To know him was to love him.
The funeral mass will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 11:00 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, with the Rosary being prayed at 7:30 pm. The family will also receive friends at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Contributions may be made in memory of Thomas D. Kinney to St. Vincent de Paul at St. Thomas Aquinas. Online condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/lsj/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-d-kinney&pid=173122883&fhid=11047#sthash.qUbia15l.dpuf
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kinney
Kevin A Bolt-Farrell
August 22, 2019
St. Judas Thaddeus, St. Rita of Cascia, St. Philomena, St. Eustace/Eustachius, St. Gregory Thaumaturgus and St. Phanourios the Great pray for us.
Our Lady of Aylesford, Our Lady of Grace (Miraculous Medal), Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Crete/Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Knock, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Fatima pray for us.
Jesus (Our Lord of Divine Mercy), Infant Jesus of Prague (Our Lord of Prague), Jesus (Our Lord of the Sacred Heart) and Jesus (Our Lord of Miracles) pray for us.
Blessed be the Holy Trinity!
Died November 10, 2014 / Age 94
November 20, 2014
Stella surrounded by her Schmitz-side family at the luncheon. Uncle can rest in peace, knowing she is well cared for. XO
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
Stella surrounded by Kinney-side family at the post funeral luncheon. (Plus her devoted brother, Peter.)
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
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Knights of Columbus Color Corps performed a ceremony at the Visitation and served as pallbearers at the STA Funeral Mass.
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
Extended Kinney Family at the Visitation/Rosary on Wed. evening, 11/11. Celebrating a special life.
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
The infamous back porch... where many a wonderful visit took place.
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
Dwarfed by the Kinney-Twichell kids. (Evidently, "Uncs" had been roused prematurely from his nap in the Lazyboy!)
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
Easter 2012 ~ just one of dozens of holiday gatherings & poses in front of the Twichell fireplace!
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
With nephew Kevin and brother Jack (~2000)
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
Such a strong bond with wife Stella! They teased each other relentlessly about their heritage and hometowns! (Stella hails from Fowler, MI)
Nancy Twichell
November 16, 2014
November 15, 2014
I met Mr. Kinney through my father, A.J. Vielbig, and the work they did with St. Vincent. I was impressed that even though he was in his late 80's he was always willing to go on calls to help those in need. What a lovely man.
Terri Walker
November 13, 2014
I was extremely privladged to grow up with and have Tom as a neighbor. Tom aways took the extra time to teach me how to do things the right way. Whether it was how to shake a person's hand and look them in the eye with a firm handshake, or how to build something while explaning the job wasn't done until you cleaned things up properly. Tom was always generous beyond belief in so many ways.
Tom was the best neighor, mentor and friend I could have ever asked for and I am a much better person for knowing him.
Thank you Tom.
David
Christina Lloyd
November 11, 2014
I'll never forget Tom, he was a loving and caring man!!!!! It was a joy taking care of him. God Bless you ALL!!!!!! He will always be with you!!!!!!!
Tammy King
November 11, 2014
I am privileged , honored, and blessed to have met a stellar man like Tom. The family and his wife Stella will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. It was an honor to be able to care for him at his end of life process. It was his strong faith that he and his family shared with me that will give me a since of renewal to keep practicing my faith and continue to care for others.....
Michele Lawford
November 11, 2014
Tom Kinney was one of those rare commodities today-- a gentleman. My condolences to the Kinney family, particularly Nancy (Kinney) Twichell, her husband, Mark, and their children, Kurt, Jay, and Shannon. Over many years I have observed and admired Nancy's devotion to her Uncle Tom: From delivering plates full of home baked treats to dispatching one of her children to help out with a particular request, no job was too big or too small, and all of the Twichell's performed these acts of kindness so cheerfully. It was obvious that Uncle Tom held a special place in their collective hearts. I know that after decades of hosting "Uncs and Stella" at holiday time, the upcoming season will be particularly difficult for Nancy and her immediate family. They are, and will continue to be in my prayers, along with Stella and Tom's brother, Jack Kinney.
Donald Schmitz
November 11, 2014
He was a great person to have lunch with.
November 11, 2014
Tom was a gentleman in all respects of his life. He added humor to almost any situation, including when I visited him at Hospice. He dearly loved and appreciated his sweet wife, Stella as God's gift to him and them together. Tom was a man you loved at first sight, respecting all people in this world. He could lift your spirits and make you feel special. How can you remember him without a smile on your face?! Tom was one of our great gifts from God, for sure. I am privileged and blessed to have known him.
Paula Thomas
Nancy Ingram
November 10, 2014
"To know him was to love him" says it all! He was a very devout man and a role model for all other saints in the making. He will be missed by all!
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