Gary K Kindler

Gary Kenneth Kindler was called home on March 1, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 21, 1945 to Harry and Carol (Hoffhines) Kindler of Esbon, Kansas. Gary grew up in the Esbon area and attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, and the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.

He married Krisann Pietila on October 31, 1970 in Dallas, Texas.  Gary and Kris were blessed with 4 children - Tiffany Kay, Joshua Kenneth, Zachary Tauno and Kristal Joy. Gary and Kris moved back to the Esbon area in 1977 and ventured into farming with his dad.  In 1985, he was employed by Farmway Credit Union as a branch manager in the Mankato, Kansas, office. He enjoyed working for the Credit Union for 30 years, visiting with and helping many people.  Gary spent many years umpiring baseball and softball in the Jewell County Area. He often spoke of some of the best times in his life was following legion baseball with his Dad.  He treasured the time traveling to his son Zach's many track events.  He retired April 2015, and loved following grandkids, sports, and traveling with Kris and friends. AND of course we can't forget about his beloved Rock Chalk Jayhawks. Oh how he looked forward to those basketball games.  But his true loves in life are his 10 grandkids. Gary had a close relationship with his savior and was a member of the Mankato Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Kansas.

Proceded in death are his parents, his brother - Bob Kindler, nephew - Dustin Kindler and a son - Zachary Kindler

He leaves wife – Kris; daughter - Tiffany (Kindler) and husband Pat Battle, children - Lauren and Aidan from Leavenworth, Kansas; son - Joshua and Jennifer (Rumsey) Kindler, children - Masen, Dawson and Emerson, from Gardner,Kansas; daughter - Kristal (Kindler) and John Walker, children - Owen and Olivia from Hoxie,Kansas; daughter-in-law - Sara (Gerdes) Kindler, children - Taylor, Carter and Tessa, from Gardner, Kansas;  sister - Joy Kindler and niece - Alida Kindler, Salina, Kansas; nieces - Beth Standley, Theresa McDowell from Smith Center, Kansas, Bobbi Basart, Stockton, Kansas; and Nicki Grauerholz Kennsington, Kansas; nephews - Corey Kindler, Pheonix, Arizona, Norman Pietila and Andy Pietila, Plano, Texas, Jeremy Pietila, San Francisco, California, and Dustin, Tyler and Forest Pietila, Shelter Cove, California;  brother-in-laws - Mike, Robby (Betty) and Tom (Pat) Pietila, Shelter Cove, Caifornia, and Rocky (Linda) Pietila, Plano, Texas.

A memorial celebration of life service for Gary Kindler will be (was) held, Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Dennis Beckmann officiating.  Mrs. Kathy Beckmann will be (was) the organist.  Honorary bearers will be (were) – Jim Reed, Terry Hoffhines, Dave Hastings, Steve O'Hair, Virgil Kimminau, Roger Underwood, and Lane Underwood. Gary has requested cremation, and viewing of Gary will only be at the mortuary on Monday.  Visitation will be (was) Monday, March 5, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.,  at the Melby Mortuary, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Memorials may be given to Zach Kindler Javelin Area Sponsorship Fort Hays Track and Field, Baker University Athletic Scholarship Fund or Zach Kindler Rock Hills Scholarship fund.

"I BELIEVE!" Gary Kindler