Mickey Kinzer

Mickey Kinzer went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Mickey was born on July 28, 1938, in Ferdinand, to Donald and Elsie Frei Kinzer. His mother always said he was born with a pitchfork in his hand, ready to go haul hay.

Mickey started school in Ferdinand before the family moved to the Westlake area south of Craigmont. He then attended Kittrell School and graduated from the eighth grade in Craigmont. From there, he began helping his family on the farm by milking the cows and feeding them using a team of horses, along with working in the field. He spent many hours upon his D-4 Caterpillar, and many have fond memories of working with Mick during haying and other farming seasons. Mickey started working at the Cottonwood Sales Yard in his teen years and retired in 2010 after working more than 40 years. Mickey and his brother, Cliff, farmed together in the Westlake area until retiring in 2006. He was seen in many area parades pulling floats with his Belgian draft horses. He still owned a team at the time of his death.

On Oct. 8, 1977, he married his square dancing partner, Joan Haines, and resided in Craigmont. They welcomed their son, Timothy, on Nov. 18, 1978. Joan passed away November of 2010.

Mickey is survived by his son, Tim and wife Nicole of Craigmont, and their children Allison and Aaron; brothers Marvin and Elaine of Clarkston, Bill and Shannon of Kooskia, Clifford and Sharon of Lewiston; sister Roberta and Ken Forsmann of Cottonwood; many nieces and nephews; and in-laws Ralph Mathison of Craigmont, Carol Lybyer of Caldwell and Sheryl and Larry Rick of Middleton. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Joan; sister Mary Ann Mathison; and in-laws Patsy Kinzer and Van Lybyer.

As many know, Mick liked to pass out nicknames; his grandchildren didn't get a pass on this. He chose "Spook" for Allison when she came along, and of course she couldn't be outdone and started calling him "Spook" right back, and that name has stuck. Allison and Aaron will always remember their "Spook" and the times they spent together after school and any other time that they got to take care of each other.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Prestige Care of Clarkston, Tri-State Memorial Hospital and Wound Healing Clinic, and SJRMC during his stay in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.

The family suggests that contributions can be made to any Senior Citizen Nutrition Program or a charity of the donor's choosing.

A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Assumption Catholic Church in Ferdinand, and funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, also at Assumption. Burial will follow at Ferdinand Community Cemetery.

Uhlorn Funeral Home of Cottonwood is in charge of arrangements.