George Philip Kinzfogl Jr.

George Philip Kinzfogl Jr. passed away at age 75 on March 31, 2022. 

He and his wife Lesley enjoyed the symphony of life’s journey together for over 50 years. They raised their three sons, cherished seeing them all happily married, and most especially loved every moment spent with their grandchildren. Even before his cancer diagnosis, and certainly afterwards, one of George’s happiest places was his chair where he could sit and talk with friends and family. Lesley’s devotion to caring for George throughout his cancer treatments was an act of love and grace. She was fortunate to have the support of friends, neighbors, and family.  A special thank you to Steve, Phil, Alan and John who accompanied George to many of his chemotherapy sessions. George’s entire family is additionally grateful for the compassionate care by Dr. Binod Dhakal and his entire team at the Froedert Cancer Center, without whose stalwart advocacy the gift of these last two years would not have been possible.

George loved being Gramps. Tom and his wife Carlie moving to Milwaukee shortly after the birth of Frederick George Kinzfogl,” Freddie,” brought hope and joy to George and Lesley throughout his cancer treatments. He took great pleasure in seeing his granddaughter Elise, and her parents John and Gina, on visits back and forth and via Google Meets during the pandemic. George and Kathy’s children Michael, Christine, and Tommy were blessed to have their Gramps in their lives for so many years. Regular visits to and from their Nana and Gramps were special events that formed an indelible bond of love and memory for them all. 

George and Lesley celebrated his 75th birthday surrounded by their children and grandchildren this past August. It was a wonderful celebration of a great man and the family for which he was so proud.

He was kind to family, friends, and strangers alike. He took a sincere interest in the lives and dignity of everyone he met. He did not, however, shy away from vocal irreverence on matters of both humor and principle, or the occasional errant golf shot. He formed deep and meaningful friendships with those closest to him, playing golf and sheepshead with lifelong companions.

He was born on August 29, 1946, to George Philip Kinzfogl Sr. and Margaret Else Kinzfogl. He was the oldest of four siblings and is predeceased by his parents and his sister Joan. He was a graduate of Marquette High School and Marquette University. He worked in sales for 38 years for Milport Chemical, a company co-founded by his father. For four decades he was a role model for others seeking sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. 

George is survived by his wife, Lesley Wittig Kinzfogl; his son George Philip Kinzfogl III, wife Kathy Dolan Kinzfogl, and their three children Michael, Christine, and Tommy of Sudbury, MA; his son John, wife Gina Cantrell-Kinzfogl and their daughter Elise of Oakland, CA; his son Tom, wife Carlie Hanson Kinzfogl, and their son Frederick George of Whitefish Bay, WI; his sister Jean and her husband Elmo of Pelican Lake, WI; his sister Kathy and her husband Brian of Swan Lake, MT; and the many friends to whom he was family and whose lives would not have been complete without George’s presence.

A wake to celebrate George’s life will be held at North Shore Funeral Services, 3601 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI on Saturday, April 16, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. 

If desired, donations may be made to World Central Kitchen (wck.org) or Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org)