John Kinzer

Lowry G. (John) Kinzer, 87, a resident of Albuquerque since 1946, left this world to be with his heavenly Father on June 20th, 2012. He was loved and respected by many and his family and friends will truly miss him. He is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor of 61 years, his son John D. Kinzer (Marcie), of Albuquerque, daughter Mary Kinzer-Johnson (Richard), of Clancy, Montana; grandchildren: Phillip Kinzer Johnson (Michelle), Virginia Johnson Rogness (Dylan), Cole Johnson, Victor Johnson, John Caleb Kinzer, Kristen Kinzer, David Nathan Kinzer (Arielei), Faith Kinzer and four great-granddaughters, niece Marcia Newhouse Davis(Bryn), of Las Cruces and nephew Dan Newhouse (Helen), of Los Alamos. Lowry G. (John) was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude, sister Hope and son David. He was the first child born to proud Southern parents, Gertrude and Dr. John D. Kinzer, on August 18th, 1924, in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his elementary education in the Memphis Tennessee Public Schools, and his secondary education at Columbia Military Academy. He entered the U. S. Army in 1943 and fought at Okinawa with the 7th Infantry Division and served in Korea. He was decorated with the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge among others. John continued in the Army Reserve and retired as Colonel after 40 years. In 1950 he graduated from UNM with a BA in Economics. He was active in three fraternities: Pi Kappa Alpha (social), Delta Sigma Pi (business), and Alpha Phi Omega (service). He also received his MBA from UNM in 1958. In 1953 he became the Coordinator of Distributive Education, a position that he held for 32 years at Highland High School. In 1969, he received his Doctorate in Education from Arizona State University. He retired from teaching in 1985 and started having fun with his own business: Christian Financial Counseling. He loved gardening and growing tomatoes, fishing and hanging out with his family. John loved Jesus, was an active member at Calvary of Albuquerque, and served as a discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship. Visitation will be at French - University Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Sunday, July 1st from 5 -7 pm. A service celebrating John's life will take place at Calvary of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Road NE at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 2nd. Internment will follow at Sunset Memorial with military honors. John was active in the Gideon's and friends may give donations to The Gideon's International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN. 37214-0800.