Louis Kishkunas, Jr. Obituary (1927

Louis Joseph Kishkunas, Jr., one of two children of Louis Sr. and Valeria (Surwill) Kishkunas, was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 24, 1927. Louis grew up in Chicago where he graduated from Kelly High School in 1944. Following school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as an Electronics Tech. Following the war, Louis attended Northern Illinois University where he graduated with his Bachelors and his Masters degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. Louis and Ellen Jean Martin were married in the Mennonite Church in Chicago on August 19, 1950 and were blessed with two children, Louis Joseph III and Ruth Ann. Louis attended Columbia University in New York where he received his Doctorate in 1957. Louis was reinstated in the United States Navy during the Korean War and received a commission in the Navy Reserves. Louis began his lifelong career in education as an Assistant Superintendent in Ossining, NY. He later served in that same capacity in Barrington, IL until being hired as the District Superintendent. Louis served as superintendent in Pittsburg, PA, Denver, CO, and finally Hastings, NE where he retired in 1983. After 20 years of service, Louis also retired from the Navy Reserves as a Lt. Commander. Following his retirement, Louis and Ellen moved to Glenwood, IA where they purchased a small apple orchard. Their grandchildren, Louis IV and Valeria, moved to Glenwood so Louis and Ellen could care for them. The family are members of the Grace United Methodist Church and Louis was a passionate member of the Republican Party. He was a Rotarian all of his professional life and was very active in the Glenwood Rotary Club, where he served in numerous capacities, including president and secretary. Louis collected antique fire trucks and Model-A Fords and he and Ellen enjoyed traveling to many different car shows. They had been married 57 years when Louis died on February 29, 2008 at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood at the age of 80 years, 11 months, and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Louis J. Kishkunas III; and brother-in-law Bruce Martin. Louis is survived by his wife Ellen Kishkunas of Glenwood; daughter Ruth Ann Kishkunas of Kearney, NE; sister Ruth Berg and husband Richard of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren Valeria Kishkunas of Cedar Falls, IA, Riley Kishkunas of Kearney, NE, and Louis J. Kishkanus IV of Anchorage, AK; sisters-in-law Lori Martin and Marilyn O'Connell and husband Richard, all of California; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Memorials suggested to Grace United Methodist Church in Glenwood.