Louis Eugene "Louie" Kinzler, 83, Sturgis, died Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the VA Black Hills Health Care at Fort Meade.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the First Wesleyan Church in Sturgis with Pastor Dan Ziebarth officiating. Inurnment with military honors follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to the Sturgis Epicenter.

Louie was born December 17, 1929 at Freeman, SD to Ernest and Ottie (Kemp) Kinzler. He was the son of a minister and the family lived in many states. Louie graduated from High School in North Platte, NE. While living in Maryville, MO, he married LaVaun L. Leuthold on April 6, 1951. He was drafted into the US Army and served his country honorably in Korea. Following his discharge he returned to Maryville where he worked delivering wholesale groceries.

The family moved to Lawrence, KS where Louie worked at the airport and learned to fly. He began working in the auto body shop and moved to Sturgis on June 9, 1972. He worked for the Ford garage in the body shop until the mid 1970's. He bought a drill rig and drilled water wells until the late 1980's. After retiring he enjoyed fishing, going to auctions, collecting antiques and rebuilding Cushman Scooters.

He was a member of the Jackpine Gypsies and was the road captain for many tours.

Survivors include his wife LaVaun Kinzler, Sturgis; sons, Ted (Susan) Kinzler, Sturgis, Gary (Kellie Huisenga) Kinzler, Sturgis; daughter Carla (Kelly) Evans, Sturgis; also 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and one grandson.

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