Robert Kinsel

Robert Kinsel
January 9, 1933 - October 3, 2017

Robert Duane Kinsel, 84, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday October 3, 2017 at his home. Visitation will be from 3-6 PM on Thursday October 5, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Friday October 6, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with Carol Hamilton officiating. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens at Hazleton with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #9 of Oelwein. A memorial fund has been established.

Robert was born in Waterloo, IA on January 9, 1933 to parents Clarence and Charlotte Kinsel. Robert served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1948-1952. On June 29, 1958 he was united in marriage with Donna Jean Baldwin. Robert was a mechanic employed with Earl Moore Garage, Mulder Motors and Keys Motor in Oelwein for 34 years, and another 5 years in the salvage yard. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening, as well as time at their trailer along the Mississippi River.

Left to celebrate Robert’s life is his wife Donna; his dog Spike; his nephews: Philip (Else) Cochran and Larry (Sandy) Loban; his nieces: Kathleen Jennings, Nancy Cochran and Barbara (Leland) McIntyre; his much loved “son” Darren Vance whom lived with Bob and Donna for 3 years; his many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Betty Cochran; his nephews: James Cochran and William Kerns.

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Dave Corbin on October 6, 2017 at 2:49 PM said:

Jesus says I am the way & the truth & the life. What a hope we have for eternal life!! May you find God's grace & peace in your time of sorrow. Dave

Steve Campbell on October 5, 2017 at 2:34 PM said:

I grew up in The South End of Oelwein with Phil, Kathy, Jim and Nancy. I remember their Uncle Bob from them good old days when I was youngster. He and Donna lived right next to his parents and the rest of the Cochran's.
Bob used to service my Dad's Buick when he worked for Moore and Mulder Motors. My oldest sister Faye Iverson and Bob attended Southside School and were about a week apart in age. I'm sure he will be missed by all he knew him.
My sympathies go out to his wife Donna and all the Cochran's.

Dave Mulder on October 4, 2017 at 11:43 AM said:

Bob Kinsel was a gentleman and a gentle man. He was a part of my life through the days of the Earl Moore Garage and Mulder Motors. When I worked at the garage in high school, I would "help" him from time to time, and he was always patient with "the kid who was all thumbs," which he liked to call me. I always knew he would have been much better off without my "help."

Bob honored our family as a pall bearer for my dad, Lou Mulder, and he and Donna were so kind to me at Donnie Luther's funeral. I never forgot that. He was a great guy. My sincerest sympathy to Donna and his family and friends.

Kathy Cochran Jennings on October 3, 2017 at 7:17 PM said:

My Uncle Bob was bigger than life itself to us little kids. We were just in awe of him and loved him unconditionally. He was so handsome in his army dress uniform and only he knew what horrors he had seen of war at age 15. He tried, in his way, to be the father to us we never had. He had us climb the water tower, walk across the Otter Creek Railroad Bridge and take us for a ride in his Model T. We would have to shoot the gun or drive the car home with us crying all the way when we were just little kids. He took us fishing, down to the woods, and swimming out to the old rock quarry. He never told us he loved us but we always knew he did. Finally, a just few years ago when we leaving to come back to Arizona, he said he loved us! That was amazing and a milestone. There are just so many wonderful memories and so much that I missed after moving to Arizona. I only remember the good times and he really knew how to have a good time! He found the best partner in the world to share those times He had a good life and he did all he wanted to do. I love you Uncle Bob and keep your powder dry!

Angie Luther on October 3, 2017 at 3:55 PM said:

To my 2nd grandpa, I learned so I much from you! You built me a tree house and taught me many inappropriate things! I wouldn't be the person I am without you being in my life! I love you Bob! I'll miss you! Keep your powder dry! Angie pangie

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Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home

309 1st Avenue NE | Oelwein, IA 50662 | Phone: 319.283.4653

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