Kenneth Kinas

Kenneth P. Kinas, age 79, of Green Lake, WI, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at Markesan Resident Home in Markesan, WI.

Ken Kinas was a man filled with humility and a commitment of service to others along with a deep, profound love of family. He sacrificed a great deal to ensure his family could enjoy great lives. Fondly nicknamed “The General” , Ken always had a clear vision of what should be; his answers both solved problems but were well thought out. He was a man of enormous integrity with much to give from his incredible engineering brilliance to his talented hands that created so many things which live on.

Ken Kinas was a quiet man; when he spoke it was to encourage others to be their best or to offer thoughts on doing something with greater efficiency.

Ken graduated from Ripon High School in 1957 then went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and thermodynamics in 1961. Ken holds numerous patents for his design work with the team that created the first generation of radial tires during his years of working for General Tire, Akron, Ohio. After returning to Wisconsin, his focus turned to rivets at National Rivet, Waupun WI where he was Manager of Manufacturing.

Ken started racing sailboats on Green Lake when he was 8, retired at 75. He served as commodore of Green Lake Yacht Club and worked tirelessly to ensure forthcoming generations could experience the passion he felt for sailboat racing. Ken built 6 wooden prams, four of which are still raced on Green Lake. In addition to racing, Ken assisted with judging races for many years and was the chief judge for the “Senior Girls” pram racing fleet from 2003-2017.

Ken recognized his children’s love of downhill skiing. Though not enthused, he worked to rebuild the “Sunny Valley Ski Hill” rope tow engine so his kids and others could enjoy many beautiful weekends of downhill skiing on the craggy slopes. Ken toted materials for rebuilding on his skis as well as pulling sleds behind him through snow covered corn fields.

Ken taught all around him about the importance of eating directly from the earth. He was a strong proponent of growing foods naturally and experimented for many years trying to grow apples and other tree fruits without pesticides. He declared war on all of the critters who invaded his much loved garden by erecting a 10’ high fence around the whole thing then was later dismayed that many dug their way in and stayed.

Ken was a Chi Phi, a long time member of The Investment Club, Secretary of Wisconsin Development Corporation, a board member of Turkey Foot Yacht Club, Green Lake Yacht Club, an avid bridge player and voracious reader. He created beautiful stained glass art, oil painted, engineered and built many household items, was a master woodworker and turned hundreds of bowls.

Ken was born August 17, 1939, son of Virginia (Johnson) and Oswald Kinas, brother to Donald and Thomas, husband to Mary Gehl Kinas who died in 2009. He is survived by special friend Mary Miller and his children: Susan, David (Deanne) and Sara Kinas, grandchildren Matthew, Alexis and Nicole Kinas and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date.

Memorials would be appreciated to the following: Green Lake Animal Shelter, N6217 Busse Rd, Green Lake, WI 54941, Caestecker Public Library, 518 Hill St, Green Lake, WI 54941, American Lung Association, 13100 W Lisbon Rd, Suite 700, Brookfield, WI 53005-2508, and Green Lake Sailing School, P.O. Box 455, Green Lake, WI, 54941.


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