Harold Kinas

In Loving Memory of Harold Kinas

Harold Kinas, a cherished educator, musician, and craftsman, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2024, just a week shy of his 98th birthday.

Born in Germantown, Wisconsin, on March 31, 1926, to Theodore and Lilly (Zarling) Kinas, Harold was a beacon of knowledge and faith in his community. In 1948, Harold married his beloved wife, Bessie Wehausen, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their union was a testament to love and partnership, lasting over seven decades until Bessie’s passing in 2019.

A proud graduate of Concordia Teachers College, Harold furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Education from Wayne State University. His dedication to teaching touched the lives of hundreds of students across Lutheran elementary schools in Michigan, California, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Harold’s commitment to education continued beyond the classroom as he took on the role of principal, shaping the future of Lutheran education.

Music was Harold’s second language, and he served as a church organist, sharing his gift well into his 70s. His devotion to the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, was evident through his active participation and leadership in various church roles. In retirement, Harold, alongside Bessie, founded Kinas Crafts. Their wood carvings, known for their whimsy and warmth, adorn countless homes. Harold’s passion for woodcarving extended to teaching, where he guided novice carvers well into his 90s.The Kinas family roots shifted from Milwaukee to Ripon in 2017. He found incredible friendship in the people of Messiah Lutheran Church, the Berlin Carving Club, the Princeton Carving Club, and the residents of Russell Manor.  After Bessie's passing in 2019, Harold continued to live a life filled with purpose and service with the help of his family, friends and neighbors.

Harold is survived by his children, Paul Kinas (Susan), John Kinas (Debra), Krista Norton (David), and Karen Gamboa (Gen); his grandchildren, Matthew Kinas, Aaron Kinas (Melissa), Jesse Norton (Helen Truax), Joshua Norton, Andrew Kinas (Kacie Ward), Sara Ratliff (Nathan), Jonathan Gamboa, Vincent Gamboa (Jenn Wong) and Danielle Gamboa; and his great-grandchildren, Matthew Kinas, Kaia Kinas, Aloh Kinas, Tybalt Norton-Truax, Quentin Norton-Truax, Atlas Kinas, and Orson Kinas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Lilly Kinas; and his beloved wife, Bessie Kinas.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Please join us in celebrating Harold’s life. A visitation will be held from 9:30 - 11:00am on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Harold will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 11:00am following the visitation at Messiah Lutheran Church in Ripon, with Rev. Bryan Fritsch officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Arlington Park Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. Memorials in Harold’s name may be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.