James "Jimmy" B. Kienast, age 62, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 29, at his residence. He was born on May 13, 1953 to Lu Vern and Geraldine (McCarthy) Kienast. Known to everybody as Jimmy, he graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 1971.
On October 7, 1972, he married the love of his life of 39 years, Barbara Mortenson, at St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. Barbara preceded him in death on January 12, 2012. Jimmy worked at Universal Foundry in Oshkosh for 12 years. Later, he worked for his father at LG Kienast Excavating until he retired in 2015. Jimmy made plenty of friends along the years. He loved fishing, hunting, taking walks, and most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his hard work, dedication to his family, and funny sense of humor. His grandchildren will remember his warm hugs, Gummy Bears and knick knacks he always gave them.
He is survived by his children: Elizabeth Kienast of Oshkosh, and Rachel (Anthony) Deich of Pipe, WI; three grandchildren: Kaylee, Kennedy and Cameron Deich; and his siblings; Linda (John) Pratsch, Patsy (Leon) Larson, Lee Kienast and Lisa (James) Bratz. Jimmy is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents; his sister, Judy Rusch; and a nephew, Jay Pratsch.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Seefeld Funeral Home. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Ellenwood Cemetery, Oshkosh.
"Say not in grief: 'He is no more', but live in thankfulness that he was."
-Hebrew Proverb