Robert Joseph Kanz

LEWISTON, MINN. - Robert Joseph Kanz, 78, of Lewiston, died Friday, December 31, 2004, at his home. He was born on September 6, 1926 in Winona, Minn. to Ben and Lucille (Kohner) Kanz. Bob graduated from Lewiston High School in 1944, went into the U.S. Navy two days after graduation and served 20 months on the U.S.S. Rapidan as a ships cook. Bob was dedicated to agriculture all of his life. He was Chairman of the Board of Lewiston Feed and Produce; member of the Farmers Elevator Association of Minnesota for 40 years; served on the Board of Trustees for Merchants Bank-Winona, 58 year member of the American Legion; Past Commander of Post 90 American Legion; Winona County Commander of the American Legion; Past member, Board of Directors of Winona Country Club; inducted into the Winona County Fair Hall of Fame; Past volunteer of the Lewiston Fire Department; Served on Lewiston City Council; Board of Directors of Lewiston Sales Barn; Served on Winona Area Hospice Board; and lifetime member of St. Rose Catholic Church and served on church council. Bob was an avid bowler and enjoyed golf, travel, and lawn care, but most of all he loved spending time at the cabin on the river with his ever-growing family. He was an amazingly giving and genuine man with an incredible work ethic. He was greatly loved and will be missed dearly. Bob was preceded in death by his Mother in 1943 and Father in 1968. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty of 52 years; six children: Nancy, Michael (Becky), Colleen, Steven (June), Jack (Debbie) and Patricia; 13 grandchildren: Holly, Theresa, Katie, Emily, Ben, Paul, Shannon, Christina, Corey, Elizabeth, Michelle, John Jr., and Robert II; four great-grandchildren: Michaela, Eliana, Abby, and Cadence; six sisters: Betty (Oliver) Younger of Northfield, Geraldine (Darrell) Sturgis of Rochester, Olivia (Tom) Heim of St. Charles, Donna (Pat) Daley of Lewiston, Bernadine (John) Mayzek of Winona and Mary (Jim) Paszkiewicz of Winona; and two brothers: Tom (Janet) Kanz of Rochester and Dick (Nadine) Kanz of Winona. There will be a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 4, 2005, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 3, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Memorials are preferred to the Lewiston Area Cancer Support Group.