Donald Kinney, 90

Donald Claire Kinney, 90, died July 1, 2009 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.

Donald was born January 14, 1919 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Floyd and Verna (Bridenthal) Kinney. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1936 and continued his education by graduating from Doane College in Crete, NE with a math degree and a certificate of teaching in 1940. After college he worked at Montgomery Ward and also with the railroad. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in March 1942. While in the service he specialized in the telecommunications field and used his experience while serving overseas in England.

In the summer of 1942, Don met the love of his life, Mary Dresch. They were married on February 14, 1946 in Sioux Falls, SD. To this union four children were born, Doug, Russell, Jackie and Laura. Don and his family lived in St. Louis, Missouri where he taught telecommunications to Army Air Force men. Don soon accepted an offer for a teaching position in Lyman NE. Don taught math, was a basketball and football coach, and eventually became the principal at Lyman High School. In 1951, Don was hired at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as an auditor and worked for the company until 1984. He retired after 33 years with Goodyear.

Don and Mary moved to Alexandria from Des Moines to live on Lake Ida for a quiet retirement. Mary died on October 23, 1985. Don continued to live at his home on Lake Ida and enjoyed golfing at Miltona Golf Club and bowling. Another hobby of Don’s was watching games of the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. In Minnesota, he made caring and loyal friends who have all helped him in his later years. Don also enjoyed the many visits from his children and grandchildren to his lake home. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children, Douglas (Marianne) Kinney of Sioux Falls, SD, Jacqueline Kinney of Prairie City, IA, Laura (Jon) Ward of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren, Amy (Michael) Saks of Cooper City, FL, Elizabeth (Corey) Anderson of Brandon, SD, Kristin (Jake) Buss of Lincoln, NE, Joseph Kinney of Denver, CO, Nicholas Ward of Ankeny, IA, Nathan Ward of Ankeny, IA; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Kinney; son, Russell Kinney; son-in-law, CJ Uitermarkt; sister, Dorothy Vosika; and brother, Russell Kinney.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, July 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Laurie Youngers provided music for the service. Joey Kinney gave a eulogy. Readers were Jake Buss, Nick Ward and Michael Saks. Interment was at Kinkead Cemetery. Casket bearers were Joey Kinney, Nick Ward, Nathan Ward, Michael Saks, Jake Buss and Jon Ward. Honorary casket bearers were Amy Saks, Bethie Anderson and Kristen Buss.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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