Phillip Edward Kinney, 81, of Ely, passed away in his sleep Friday, November 20, 2015. He was born in St Clair, Michigan and lived in Washburn, WI until age 12. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1952. He spent eight years in the Naval Reserve. He worked for the DMIR Railroad in Proctor until his retirement.
In 1954, he married JeanAnne Mass. While living in Duluth they had been foster parents for 18 years. At retirement they moved to Ely.
During his life he enjoyed and played country western and bluegrass music. He fully enjoyed living on Burntside Lake with JeanAnne while boating, taking naps on the deck, working with his children and grandchildren on lots of projects. He always had a twinkle in his eye when he made his family laugh.
He is survived by his wife, his son Lee Kinney, his daughters: Tracy Richards and LuAnne Bialik, and grandchildren: Karissa (Christopher) LePine, Cory (Kayla) Hansey, Cody Bialik, Ben Bialik, Brooke (Bob Z.) Richards, Kailly Richards, Ryan (Amy) Kinney, Nicholas Kinney, and several great grandchildren.
A gathering in his honor will be held Monday, November 23, from 2-4 p.m. at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.