John A. Kinner

John A. Kinner passed away on March 13, 2012, at his home with his loving family by his side. John was 88 years old, born on September 26, 1923. John attended the Burman School and the Smoky Lake School thru 8th grade. He graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1941. After graduation, he joined the Army Air Force. He was a co-pilot in the Glider Division and during WWII, glided into Burma, along with Jackie Coogan. He also served in India. His picture with his platoon was in the National Geographic in August 1944. The glider he used was made in Iron Mountain, MI. He received many medals for his service. When he was discharged, he held the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving the service, he attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He married Helen (Niemi) on November 29, 1946. They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. John became a machinist as an apprentice at the Cannon Mine in Iron River. When the mine closed, he moved to Milwaukee and was employed by Kerney and Treker. He moved back to Iron River and was a machinist at the Groveland Mine until they closed. After retirement, he was employed by Big Sand Lake Club in Phelps, WI. for 17 years. He belonged to the American Legion Reino Post 21, was a life member of the VFW 3134 in Iron River. He was a life member of the Iron River Elks Lodge 1671. John was the 15th District Commander three times. Also, he was Post Commander and adjutant for many years. In April 2009, he received a plaque for 40 years of faithful and dedicated service to the West Side Veterans Council, where he was treasurer for 30 years. John played accordion for many years for weddings and parties. He played in a band with Jerry Sobiek at Holiday Lodge and also Joe Zelinski and Joe De Zorzin. He was an avid hunter and Packer fan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Hilma (Honkala) Kinner and two brothers, Clarence and Herbert. He is survived by his wife, Helen (Niemi) Kinner Sons, Alan (Carole) Kinner of Iron River Gary (Kathy) Kinner of Iron River Daughters, Josie (Roger) Allen of Boulder Junction, WI Rita (Earl) Martin of Marquette, MI Brother, Gordon (Anita) Kinner of Phelps, WI 10 Grandchildren 10 Great grandchildren Visitation: Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. West Side Veterans will do a walk through at the visitation. Funeral Service: Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home with the Rev. Bonny Kinnunen to officiate. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery, Iron River West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside in the spring. Funeral arrangements made by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John A. Kinner, please visit our flower store.