Edward J. Kinkopf Sr.'s Obituary
Edward J. Kinkopf, Sr., 95, of Olympia WA, passed away of natural causes on June 13, 2021.
Born on August 6, 1925 in Alliance, Ohio to Joseph and Magdalena Kinkopf, he lived in Alliance most of his life. Edward graduated from Alliance High School in 1943 and was a member of Regina Coeli Catholic Church and The Knights of Columbus of Alliance.
A veteran of World War II, Edward enlisted and honorably served his country when he graduated from high school. He flew as a tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator, with the 466th bomb group, U.S. Army Aircorps, European Theater. Edward was born in Alliance, but due to the depression of the 30’s, he emigrated to southern Austria at the age of 3 with his mother and brother. He spent most of his childhood in a small village near Graz. His father remained and worked in the States during this difficult time. Edward and his family escaped the early onset of war, and safely returned to Alliance when he was 12.
Edward was a Conceptual Design Engineer and spent most of his career working for Morgan Engineering and Alliance Machine. He and his wife Marge raised 3 children in Alliance. Ed and Marge were married for 43 years until her death in 1992.
Work and family were at the center of his life, but Edward was also a passionate gardener. He had a generous vegetable garden and an orchard with fruit trees and berry patches. Ed’s family enjoyed this fresh annual bounty while Marge canned or preserved most everything. His success at vegetable growing even inspired serious gardening competitions in the neighborhood. He was also a talented finish carpenter. He remodeled his entire home (which he originally built himself in 1950), built the horse barn and fence, and constructed a myriad of other projects. He loved taking hikes and being outdoors, inspired by his childhood country roots. He was a life-long member of the Gottscheer Austrian Club in Cleveland. Many of the members were childhood friends who immigrated from Austria to America after the war.
Survivors include: son, Edward Kinkopf (Gaye), Jr. of Olympia WA; daughter, Kathleen Kinkopf (Enrico) of Cape Coral, FL; two granddaughters, Laura Hancock (Troy) and Renee Kinkopf (D.J.); grandson, Brett Kinkopf (Christel); two great-grandsons, William and Jacob; two nieces, Patty Rohrer (Bob), and Carolyn Patton (Jerry) and their 4 children and grandchildren; and longtime companion, Marie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie (d. 1992); daughter, Susan (d. 2004); and only brother, Joseph.
The family will receive friends and family on Monday, June 28, 2021 from 9:00am–10:00am at Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home, 1000 S. Union Ave., Alliance, Ohio. A Memorial Service and Mass will be held, immediately following, at Regina Coeli Catholic Church (service begins at 10:30am). Burial will immediately follow the service at St. Joseph Cemetery. You are invited to view Edward’s tribute wall, offer condolences, and share memories online at: www.sharerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/. In lieu of flowers monetary gifts can be donated in Edward’s name to Regina Coeli Catholic Church: please specify ‘Gift for Homebound or Nursing Home Ministries’.
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edward?
Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
How did Edward make you smile?
