Willard Kinney

Willard L. "Bill" Kinney, 77, Manvel, North Dakota, died Friday, April 25, 2008 at Valley Memorial Homes Eldercare Center, Grand Forks. Willard Leslie Kinney was born October 5, 1930 to Leo and Leona (Jones) Kinney. He grew up and attended schools at Manvel, graduating from Manvel High School in 1948. Willard Kinney and Lois Olsen were united in marriage on November 17, 1951 at the Federated Church in Grand Forks. They made their home at Manvel where Bill farmed. His passions were family, farming, and fireworks on the 4th of July. He loved playing cards, fishing, gardening, and hunting. Bill was a member of the Manvel Lions Club, a member of the Elks Lodge, and was active with Boy Scouts. He served on the Manvel School Board, the Manvel Oil Coop Board, the Manvel Elevator Board, the County Farm Bureau and was an active member and volunteer at Zion Congregational Church at Manvel. He enjoyed attending UND Hockey games, Fire Hall Theatre, and everything that his grandchildren were involved with. Bill never hesitated to start any new project and built, rebuilt or modified everything from additions to the house and farm buildings to motor vehicles, and farm machinery. He is survived by his wife Lois; children, Jeff Kinney, Manvel, ND, Kristin Kinney, Albuquerque, NM, David Kinney, Manvel, ND, Jane (Rick) Beasley, Grand Forks, ND, and John (Diane) Kinney, Manvel, ND; 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren; sisters, Leila Kinney, and Lu (Paul) Bry, both of Grand Forks. He is preceded in death by his parents; two infant children; brothers, Howard, Raymond, Jay, Robert, LeRoy and an infant brother; a sister, Edna Ronan; and a daughter-in-law, Camille Kinney.