Darol Kinzer

Darol G. Kinzer was born on November 5, 1935, to Joseph “Vern” and Ernestine (Delfs) Kinzer whose farmhouse was just south of Colome, SD. While growing up, he enjoyed eating wild cherries that grew near their home, and fishing and deer hunting at the Buttes with his dad and brothers and later with his son, Gene. Darol spent much of his free time at the local pool hall while boarding with his grandparents in Colome, where he attended high school. He also played high school basketball.

He met his future wife on a blind date, but realized they had seen each other several times while growing up, each fishing with their dads on the Missouri River. Darol and Erna Kahler were married on August 12, 1956. To this union, five children were born: Gene, Julie, Charlene, Nancy, and Thomas. Darol moved his family to Madison, WI, in 1958 where he began his 40-year career with the United States Postal Service. He also served in the National Guard while there.

In the summer of 1976, Darol moved his family to San Diego, CA, to get away from the harsh, cold winters. He continued his postal career and retired in 1999. Retired life didn’t suit Darol, and he was soon on to his second career as a “behind the wheel” driving instructor. His positive disposition and calm demeanor made him perfect for the job. When Darol broke his hip, around the time COVID hit, he was forced to retire, as he approached his 20th year.

Darol enjoyed playing pool, chess, and cards with his family (children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren), and won more games than he lost. It also gave him pleasure to host family birthdays and holidays.

Darol Gene Kinzer, 89, of San Diego, CA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 1, 2025, at Sharp Memorial Hospital after enduring a massive stroke. He was surrounded by family who loved him dearly.

He is survived by four of his children—Gene and Iryna Kinzer of Lake Arrowhead, CA, Charlene Poore-Jones and Robert Jones of Escondido, CA, Nancy and Bill Tassie of Pine Valley, CA, and Tom Kinzer of San Diego, CA; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one sister, Diana Syfie of Ainsworth, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Erna; his parents Vern and Ernestine; his daughter, Julie Kinzer; his granddaughter, Sara Poore; his brothers, Ronald Kinzer and Russell Kinzer; and his sisters, Leila Adams and Jeannine Johnson.

Although a “Celebration of Life” was held to honor him on June 14, 2025, in San Diego, CA, Darol’s ashes will be buried in the Colome Cemetery, Colome, SD, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Nineteen members of Darol’s immediate family (from California, New Mexico and Colorado) will host this event and would like to invite all family and friends who knew him to join us for a brief service at the cemetery, with a potluck reception following, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome.