John L. Kinna

1933 - 2023

Footville, WI - John L. Kinna, 89, passed away on Memorial Day Monday, May 29, 2023, at MercyHealth Hospital and Trauma Center with his family by his side. John was born November 6th, 1933, in Footville, WI to the late John F. and Mildred Ann (LaPointe) Kinna and was raised on the family farm just outside of Footville where his roots were firmly planted. During that time John and his family maintained the farm through the Great Depression. John graduated from Orfordville high school in 1951 and was employed at General Motors shortly after graduating, John found that he absolutely hated factory work which led him to enlist in the U.S. Army in February 1954 and served in Korea before his honorable discharge in February 1956. John then went on to attend college at U.W. Whitewater and earned his bachelors of science. Upon graduation John became a 7th grade science teacher and later a biology teacher before returning to 7th grade science at Parkview high school in Orfordville, WI from 1964 to his retirement in 1992. On August 10th of 1968 John married Irene M. Johnson at St. Augustine church in Footville, they were happily married for 54 years. They had one son together, John, in 1971. Also, an unofficial daughter Julie Ballmer (Engler) who was considered family.

John was a very proud Irishman and after extensive genealogy research he and Irene took four trips to Ireland to find his roots. He wouldn't leave the house without his trusty 4-leaf clover lapel pin.

John was the consummate prankster and jokester and could always be counted on for some smart aleck comment. He was also quick as a cat and enjoyed slap boxing all of young John's friends into submission when they came over.

John was also a huge sports fan, especially and unapologetically, the Chicago Cubs and Bears. John was a baseball coach at Parkview high school from 1968-1992 and assistant football coach for 14 years where he touched and molded many lives. John was inducted to the Parkview sports hall of fame on Feb. 17 2023. A distinction he was very proud of.

John loved his family however his greatest joy was spending time with his only grandson, Kaleb Kinna. John referred to him as "The great Kaleb" and loved watching him play baseball and attended as many of his games as he could and was very proud of his many accomplishments on the ball field.

John was a proud member of the N.E.A. and W.E.A. and the American Legion, where he could be found playing cards every Thursday with his close friends John McGuire, Harold Neal, Phil Garthwaite, Denny Curry, and Geno. John was very active in the community and served as the village President for 25 years. He continued his involvement in the processes of the village until the present.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years Irene (Johnson) Kinna; son John (Terresa) Kinna; grandson Kaleb Kinna; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Joan (Francis) O'Leary, Katherine (Rodney) Selck, and Jane (Elmer) Guse.

Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, with Fr. Lawrence Oparaji officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 2:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.apfelwolfe.com