Winifred G. Kinsler

September 4, 2012

Winifred Geraldine Kinsler 93, of Frankfort, IN, died at 4:30 a.m. September 4, 2012 at Wesley Manor. Born September 18, 1918 in Luther, MI to the late Charles Edward & Leona (Sturgis) Ward. She married William Vere Kinsler on January 3, 1942 in Michigantown and he preceded her in death in September 22, 1995. Mrs. Kinsler was a Michigantown High School graduate and received her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Butler University. She taught mostly 1st grade, teaching at Boyleston, Michigantown, then at Clinton Central Elementary. She was a member of the Michigantown Christian Church, Bridge Club and Home Ec. Club. Mrs. Kinsler enjoyed sewing, crocheting, puzzles, reading and playing cards.

Visitation and Services

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2012 at Goodwin Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Whiteman Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Michigantown Christian Church or the American Heart Association.

Survived by:

3 Daughters: Carolyn (Sam) Fields of Michigantown, Mary Lynne Slonaker of Monroeville, IN and Brenda Sue (Jeff) Barnes of Roseville, CA Brother: Donald Lee (Vivian) Ward 6 Grandchildren, Amanda Slonaker, Josh Slonaker, Stephanie (Ben) Davis, Jonathan Barnes, Brett (Debbie) Mennen and Christine Mennen 3 Step Grandchildren, Sam H. (Julie) Fields, Melea (Kevin) Kercheval, Rick Fields 3 Great Grandchildren, 11 Step Great Grandchildren and 4 Step Great Great Grandchildren

Preceded by:

She was preceded in death by her parents, son in law, Steve Slonaker, brother, Phillip Joe Ward and step great grandson, Jeremy Schultz.

Condolences

14 Condolences for “Winifred G. Kinsler”

  1. Rita Camden September 4, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    She was my favorite teacher. She was definitely made to be a teacher. She just had a way with kids. I still display the painting she made for me. She will always have a special place in my heart and will be greatly missed.

  2. Shirley Wellman Bishop September 5, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    Mrs. Kinsler was the best teacher, one of my favorites and I am sure many others as well. Teaching certainly was her calling. She will be remembered fondly and dearly missed. I remember her class fondly and having her daughters visit was an extra special treat as well! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

  3. Anjie Bond September 5, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    She was also my all-time favorite teacher – she really cared about her students. She always inquired about me whenever she saw my parents even after all these years. What an amazing woman! I was blessed to have known her.

  4. Phyllis Buntin September 6, 2012 at 12:09 am

    Winifred will be missed by all her students which were many. I always visited her when I returned to Frankfort for a visit as I now live in Naperville, Il. She would join some of her students for lunch (Patsy Strawn, Patty Eaton, Fern Shearer and Julie Ann Ruppert (deceased) and myself, Phyllis Buntin. Winifred was also my neighbor for many years when she was a Ward as I lived down the gravel road for the Wards. Was so happy to tell all my friends about my first grade teacher that was still living. This is a very sad time for me. Would love to be at her funeral but am unable to make it. Just know my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. She was a wonderful person and every one loved her. My favorite of all teachers.

  5. Becky Walker September 6, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Always loved visiting with Winifred, though I never had her as a teacher. Have read many a book she passed on to others when she was done with it. When you’re missing her, please know others are as well. The painting we received 31 years ago still hangs in our home. Anjie’s right–we’re all blessed to have known her.

  6. Kathy Welch-Martin September 6, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    I will always remember Mrs. Kinsler’s warm hugs and smile. I saw her shortly after I got my first teaching job and she was so encouraging! She told me to just be me and they will love me! Loved her class!

  7. Karl Kercheval September 6, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    No sweeter lady has ever been created. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me. Enjoy your reward Mrs. K

  8. Max Kelly September 7, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    Out of all the teachers that I have had in school and in life, Mrs. Kinsler is the one I first think of. She was such a special lady and a great teacher. Always a smile, and a kind word. She will be missed.

  9. The Mattingly’s September 9, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Dear Girls,
    Sincere sympathy from the Mattingly families.
    You are in our prayers.

  10. Ronda McCollum September 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    I will always remember Mrs. Kinsler as my favorite Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher. She always asked my mom about me when she saw her. I was just inquiring about her a month ago. She was a wonderful teacher and an amazing woman. She will be a blessing in heaven with the rest of the angels.

  11. Brenda Kelly Robertson September 9, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    Mrs. Kinsler was one of my favorite teachers. She was always so patient and kind. Whenever she saw my parents she would ask about my brother and I. There are not enough works to express my gratitude for being such a wonderful human being and teaching so many students throughout the years. She will be missed.

  12. Lea Thompson Kelley September 10, 2012 at 9:18 am

    This delightful lady was genuinely interested in her students even 30 years after she taught them. As my favorite teacher she taught me to love math and reading and was always ready to give a hug and a smile. I remember her being eager to listen to a story, or pull my baby tooth. She was there for whatever a first grader needed. Mrs. Kinsler was a blessing to Clinton Central and everyone who knew her. On behalf of the thousands of students she cared for and encouraged I would like to thank her family for sharing her with us.

  13. Jane Laughner September 10, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    My dearest Winnie , is how I will always remember her! She was such a “bright spot” in my life. She continued to have a smile always for me, whenever I would run into her. My heart sincerely broke when I had heard of her passing. May you rest in peace, Mrs. Kinsler. My condolences to the girls and thank you for sharing her with me, I was truly blessed to have her as my first grade teacher.

  14. Craig Ridenour September 11, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    I was so lucky to have Mrs. Kinsler as my 1st grade teacher. She was so warm and understanding. She realized I had trouble seeing the chalk board, placed me in the front row, and recommended I get glasses, which I promptly obtained. She also cut me a lot of slack, understating the “mischief” category on my report card. But more than that she provided infinite patience in helping me understand and thrive in this new world called school.

    I also had the good fortune to grow up as family friends with the Kinslers. At many get togethers, she was the perfect hostess and set the most wonderful table. And her laughter and jovial nature along with Bill’s really created the setting for everyone to have a good time.

    So to Brenda and your family and your extended family my deepest condolences. I know Winifred will be missed.

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