Ann C. Kinzer

Ann Crittenden Kinzer, age 79, of East Lansing (formerly of Lapeer, Michigan), passed away on November 10, 2023, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis and post-polio symptoms from her childhood bout with polio.

Ann was born March 15, 1944, in Capac, Michigan, to William and Corinne (Watson) Clarkson. She graduated salutatorian from Capac High School, class of 1962. Ann earned a bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She married Paul Kinzer on June 13, 1965 in Capac, Michigan. Ann taught English at Lapeer High School from 1966-1968 and was librarian at LakeVille High School from 1978 to 1995. She was an energetic and accomplished intellectual, avid reader, and life-long learner, all traits that she inherited from her mother and then passed on to her children and grandchildren. Although often in pain in her later years, she attended every event she could involving her grandchildren with a fierce determination to love them as much, and for as long, as she could. They were her pride and joy.

Ann is survived by her sons: Bill Kinzer of Williamston, Michigan, and Gary (Marcy) Kinzer of Okemos, Michigan; daughter Lynn (Paul) Bajorek of Okemos; grandchildren: Maggie, Luke, Ryan, and Nick of Okemos; sister Jane (Jim) St. Onge of Lindstrom, Minnesota; nephew Andy (Mary) St. Onge of Little Rock, Arkansas and nieces Jill (Joe) Wachtler of Carmichael, California, and Anna (Jeremy) Van Meter of Pickerington, Ohio; brothers-in-law Bruce (Deborah) Kinzer of Gambier, OH and Mark (Roslyn) Kinzer of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ann was preceded in death by her aforementioned parents, her husband Paul, her husband’s parents, Ben and Marion Kinzer, and her niece, Amanda Kinzer.

Ann’s family gives heartfelt thanks to all of Ann’s doctors, nurses, hospice caregivers, and staff at Burcham Hills who took wonderful care of her. Ann’s family will honor her privately, but donations to honor Ann’s life can be made to:

Hospice of Lansing

3186 Pine Tree Rd., Ste 1, Lansing, MI 48911

517-882-4500

The American Library Association

225 N. Michigan Ave, Ste 1300, Chicago, IL, 60601

800-545-2433

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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9 Messages to “Ann C. Kinzer”

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Laura Roney

November 12, 2023 at 9:59 am

Dear, Bill, Gary, Lynn, and family,

I worked with your mom at LakeVille High School. In her first few years, we had the option of taking our prep hour before school. Several of us would spend that hour in the back room of the library with your mom. I found her to be pragmatic, optimistic, and kind. I admired her ability to assess a situation and come up with ways to deal with it. Later after she left LakeVille, we lost touch except for the occasional card or email. We reconnected, however, in the last few years, and with all the her medical issues, she was the same extraordinary person I knew all those years ago. There was never any self pity ever. She always kept me up to speed on you all and especially her grandchildren. She was so proud of her family and loved you unconditionally. She was amazing. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Laura Roney

Greta Baron

November 13, 2023 at 4:48 am

I knew more OF Ann, then knowing her directly. We shared some relatives ,namely Bruce and Deborah Kinzer and their daughter, Anna Kinzer van Meter. I always heard such loving things about Ann and her 3 children.

I am deeply sorry to hear of her loss.

Marion Brennan

November 13, 2023 at 10:33 am

I’m thinking of all of the family with this loss. I so enjoyed my chats with Ann in these past months and remembering our past as we grew up together in Capac. Although we were second cousins, it seemed like we were closer. I’ll miss her. It seemed no matter how challenging her physical struggles were she remained cheerful and so enjoyed sharing with me her family stories

Dee Davey ( D’Ann SABADA-Davey)

November 13, 2023 at 11:37 am

I am so sorry for your loss. Ann was a lovely person.

Greg & Jennifer Fell

November 14, 2023 at 12:21 pm

Bill, Gary, and Lynn,

Jennifer and I send our deepest condolences to all of you. I remember when we were kids how cheerful and friendly she always was. Your parents will be greatly missed by many.

Roseanne Neuhard

November 14, 2023 at 4:43 pm

Your Mom was amazing. Will miss her. Talked to her a few weeks ago.

Keenoy Family Okemos

November 15, 2023 at 7:50 am

To the family,
We always enjoyed your mother. She was always so joyful and brightened up a room in a very sweet, loving way.
I always remember her reading to her grandchildren.
We know this is a tough year but know your all in our prayers

Love you all, Tom and Marsha Keenoy and family

Robert and Jennifer Snideman

November 16, 2023 at 1:39 pm

We have known Paul and Ann for a very long time. Paul, since High School in Detroit. We are so thankful we saw Ann last Spring, shortly after Paul passed. We have lived apart most of the time we’ve known them, but have maintained a strong friendship. We will miss them both. Paul and Ann. Our thoughts to the Family in this difficult time. Bob and Jen

Kathleen Eyia

December 17, 2023 at 12:18 pm

Sending so much love your way especially during the holidays. I well remember her volunteering in kindergarten! She was wise beyond words, an immediate friend and so much fun. Hugs, love and prayers for you all – big hugs especially to Nick and Luke.