Edward Gabriel Kinzel (88) was called home to heaven on July 8, 2026, due to residual effects of a stroke in March 2025 and congestive heart failure. Husband, father, and grandfather, Ed was full of faith and love.

Ed was the youngest of 6 children born to Anton and Christine (Roller) Kinzel on June 9, 1938 in Dickinson, ND. Ed grew up on a farm near the small Czech enclave of New Hradec, ND, 14 miles north of Dickinson. He attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic School in New Hradec through the 8th grade and then attended high school in Dickinson.

Ed never aspired to farm life like his older brother so after high school he enrolled at Dickinson State College where he majored in education. Following graduation, he began his teaching career in Savage, MT. After 4 years of teaching 6th graders and coaching basketball in Savage, Ed moved to Glendive in 1963 to continue his teaching career. There he met Evelyn M Schmidt, also of Dickinson, ND, and they were married on August 10, 1964. Following their marriage, Ed and Evelyn lived and taught elementary school in Glendive. Starla was born to them in 1965 and Todd in 1969. In 1974, they moved to Billings, MT to continue their teaching careers. While in Billings, both Ed and Evelyn received their Masters in Education. In the 14 years that they lived in Billings, Ed taught 6th grade at several different elementary schools and spent summers teaching in the migrant program.

In 1988, Ed and Evelyn moved to the Seattle area to continue their careers. Ed was a talented educator who made a lasting impression on his students. In 2003, Ed and Evelyn retired from teaching, and moved from Kirkland, WA back to Billings to be closer to family. During their retirement, Ed and Evelyn traveled extensively, visiting 5 continents.

Though he did not aspire to be a farmer, Ed loved spending time in his backyard vegetable and flower gardens. Ed also found it difficult to pass up a garage sale or a sale at Dillards. In his later years Ed became an avid reader and spent hours on word searches.

Both Ed and Evelyn were completely devoted to their catholic faith and the churches they attended. After moving back to Billings, Ed and Evelyn faithfully attended daily and Sunday mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, and Ed served at masses and funerals. Ed was devoted to his wife of almost 62 years, his children, and grandchildren. He was an excellent teacher and devoted 44 years of his professional career teaching 6th grade students.

Ed is survived by his wife, Evelyn, adult children Starla Blank (Robert) and Todd Kinzel, and grandchildren Kellen Kinzel and Makayla Collins-Kinzel (Rianne). Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Christine Kinzel, and all of his siblings, Bridget, Robert, Hattie, Edith, and Gabe.

The Kinzel’s wish to express our gratitude to Stillwater Hospice and Ed’s in home care giver, Rocky Hatsell, for their care and compassion in during Ed’s last 2 weeks of life.