Bill John Kinsman

William J. Kinsman (Bill) passed away at his home in Manawa, WI on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Those that knew him might agree that this is the ultimate research trip for his longtime interest in near death experiences and strong belief in life after death.

Bill was born on March 17, 1932 at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay, WI to Donald and Almeda (Perlewitz) Kinsman. He was raised in Clintonville, WI by his parents and paternal grandparents, and graduated from Clintonville High School in 1950. Bill joined the Army, was honorably discharged, and moved to California briefly before returning to Green Bay, WI where he met his wife of 58 years, Janet E. Ohlrogge. They were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay on July 16, 1960 and in 1962, Bill & Jan moved to their current residence in Manawa.

Bill had the gift of gab, and it served him well in his chosen profession as a salesman and entrepreneur. A very social man, Bill was active in many organizations over the years especially the Lions Club, Republican politics and the aviation community. Perhaps his greatest legacy is the Friday lunches at Central County Airport (68C), where he was the driving force and chef for more than a dozen years.

Bill is survived by daughters, Katherine L. (Michael) Fritz of Manawa and Nancy E. (Nils) Kinsman of Green Bay; 4 grandchildren: Elizabeth (Ryan) Kinderman of Chicago, Kristin (Tom) Hinton of Panama City, Florida, Nicholas Kinsman of Larsen, WI, Norah Kinsman of Ålesund, Norway; as well as 4 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; aunt, Ellen Perlewitz; sister, Margaret A Kinsman; his wife, Jan; son, Mark D. Kinsman; grandson, David J. (Noel) Herman, and one great-grandson, Noah Herman.

Special thanks for the staff at ThedaCare Hospice, especially Paula and Julie, for the care and support they provided to Bill and his family.

In memory of Bill, there will be a Celebration of Life luncheon held at Central County Airport, County Hwy E, Iola, WI (just south of HWY 161) on Saturday December 6th from 11am to 1pm.