Kenneth Kinzer

1940 - 2025

Kenneth Kinzer
Born: January 9, 1940 in Ottawa, IL
Died: August 29, 2025 in Utica, IL
Kenneth A. Kinzer, 85, of rural Utica, passed away at home on Friday, August 29th surrounded by his family. Private services will be held at a later date.
Kenneth was born on January 9th, 1940 to Kenneth R. and June (Bagley) Kinzer. Ken, also known as Arvie, lived a long, full life. After graduating from Ottawa Township High School in 1958, he enlisted in the United States Army and was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. After the army, Ken returned home where he farmed for the majority of his life. Ken married Linda Szymovicz on November 21st, 1979 in Des Moines, Iowa. After harvesting his 58th crop, Ken fully retired from farming in 2018.
Ken was more than just a farmer and enjoyed sharing stories from his younger years including when he worked as a commercial pilot delivering cargo throughout the Great Lakes region. Ken enjoyed hunting and fishing, he talked about several fishing trips he took to Canada. Ken was a union Teamster working for Schwerman Trucking of Oglesby. Ken was also an avid snowmobiler for many years, making multiple trips each winter to Mercer, Wisconsin. He achieved his goal of snowmobiling in the Northwoods of Wisconsin when he was 80 years old. Ken loved spending time with his family and enjoyed keeping busy in the summer by working in his large garden.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 45 years; children Kathy (Mike) Clay/Trumbower of Idaho, Sandy (Mark) Hetz of Michigan, Kristen (Mark) Kurrle of Peru, Mike (Emily) Kinzer of Utica; grandsons Aiden Kurrle and Carter Kinzer; granddaughters Stacie and Elizabeth Wood; one great granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.
Kenneth was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Randy Kinzer, and his beloved four-legged best friend, Toby.
Memorial donations on Ken's behalf may be made to Utica Fire Department. To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.