Robert Lawrence Kienzle

Robert Lawrence Kienzle was born to his mother Virginia Rae O’Connell Kienzle and father Clyde Russell Kienzle, May 3, 1950.

Bob was a terrific big brother. He took his siblings to the mountains to places like Stoughton Lake and Shawnee State Park to swim and Lynn Run State Park to hike. Neighbors and friends appreciated Bob for his kindness, thoughtfulness, gentleness, and sincerity.

He is survived by his five siblings: Nancy Mantz and her wife, Cindy Tananis; Kathy Ponzetti and her three sons Joe, Aaron, and Nick, and grandchildren and great grandchildren; Jann and her husband, Joe Pappalardo, and their son Adam and daughter Shelby; Karen Kienzle and her partner Mark and her son Nicholas, and Ken Kienzle and his wife Jackie and their son Kenny.

Bob was pre-deceased by his mother and father, a sister Carol Jean Kienzle, his wife Jane Lyons Utiger and their son, Seth Utiger Kienzle.

Bob grew up in a farmhouse on Cereal Hill, North Huntington Township, Pennsylvania, surrounded by farms in a great neighborhood with many friends. He found pleasure in being outdoors. Growing up, he enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and football. He graduated from Norwin High School in 1968 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War.

Bob spent a few years in college in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Then wanderlust led to work on the barges traveling the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. Bob moved westward with his friend Ray Gross to do some surveying work. He worked as a counselor working with troubled boys that he found both rewarding and challenging. He tried living in a Native American teepee while in South Dakota but discovered how difficult it was during the winter.

Next stop was the oil fields of Wyoming, but the call for adventure led Bob to Alaska. He settled in Haines and found the love of his life, Jane. After building their home by hand they developed a rich life with their son, Seth.

Employed by the State of Alaska, Bob held positions always working outdoors from counting spawning salmon to being a mate on the Alaskan ferry system. He climbed Mt. Everest, loved ocean kayaking with the whales, and enjoyed the fresh fish he caught. He retired to Fort Collins, Colorado and enjoyed a quiet meditative life in the foothills of the Rockies watching amazing wildlife during daily walks and extended bike rides. His ashes will be spread in one of his favorite places, Adam’s Falls in Lynn Run State Park, near Ligonier, Pennsylvania.