Bob Kinzel Memorial Scholarship

Robert F. Kinzel passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. Bob was born on March 11, 1943, in Hibbing, Minnesota to Robert A. and Emma (Sevshek) Kinzel. He graduated from Chisholm High School in 1961, then graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1965.

Bob married Judie Bartek in1966. He taught science and coached football in East Grand Forks for 3 years, then took a year off to attend UND where he earned his master’s degree. In 1970 he accepted a teaching position in Brainerd. He taught junior high science and coached 9th grade football for over 30 years, coached varsity swimming/diving, and officiated swim meets for over 50 years.

Bob was very active in the community and earned many distinguished awards throughout his life including the “Brainerd Teacher of the Year Award” in 1977, the “Bud Schmid Award” in 2000, the “Roger Cersine Officials Distinguished Service Award” in 2024, and the Lions Club “Melvin Jones Fellow Award”. His involvement included the Lion’s Club where he served as gambling manager and two term president; the Baxter Planning and Zoning Board for 30 years; St. Andrew’s Church serving on the Parish Council, Men’s Club, and as a Eucharistic Minister.

After his retirement in 2000, the adventure continued. Bob loved organizing get-togethers, golf tournaments, fishing trips, coffee clutches/breakfast meetings, card games and parties with friends and family. He was happy when his calendar was full. He cherished his family and spent as much time as possible watching his grandkids in school activities. His friends held a special place in his heart and the stories were epic. With his larger-than-life presence, he made friends wherever he went including Mesa, AZ where Bob and Judie spent their winters in retirement.