Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54

Jeffrey Todd Kintzler, 54, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell surrounded by his loving family.

Jeff was born on June 21, 1962, to Dennis Kay and Wanda M. Kintzler In Riverton, Wyoming. He was welcomed by his two brothers, Daniel S. and Timothy. Following Jeff’s birth, were Lisa, Pamela and Mark.

The family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1966 and Jeff attended Talbott Elementary and Air Academy Junior High, where he served on the student council, played soccer, ran track, rode mini bikes and loved “swimming” in the nearby pond.

In 1974 the Kintzlers relocated to Jeffrey City, Wyoming, where Jeff attended the Methodist church, rode motorcycles, learned the meat cutting art and announced, to his unaware parents, at 14, he had gotten a job washing dishes at a local pub/restaurant. He attended and graduated from Jeffrey City High School. He followed in the steps of his older brothers, learning the construction trade and it was ingrained in his soul. He was so happy for his children — his first son, Brenon, born in 1979, his daughter, Chanelle, born in 1988 and his second son, Daniel, born in 1990.

In 1984 Jeff migrated north to Kalispell; “God’s country” he called it. He remodeled a downtown building, which housed a small clothing store and thus began his craftsman legacy. A Quonset hut-type building south of town followed and on down the line were spec homes in Greenbriar, Lone Pine and River Glen to custom homes throughout the valley, sometimes drawing the plans on a paper napkin. He did commercial remodels as well as jewelry boxes. His hands and mind were always busy. Jeff was an independent contractor eventually forming a partnership with Dan Wilson, Wilson-Kintzler Contruction, lasting 10 years. His latest independent venture was Brannigan’s.

He never said no to challenges; he faced impossibilities head on, designing, applying and appreciated acceptance. He never threw away a thank you card. High standards was his zeal, valuing honesty. He never quit. He was an encourager who enjoyed helping others; many times from the good of his heart, friend or stranger. Jeff did everything full throttle — work, play ... biking, skiing, camping, boating, antique hunting. He loved shooting at the gun club and ... music; his knowledge of artists, lyrics and meanings of songs always amazed people.

He cherished his family and was driven to see them loved and content.

Leaving to grieve are his partner, Robbie Rae Winkler; sons, Brenon, (Dianna), Kalispell, and Daniel O. (Miranda) San Diego, and Eli Baldwin, Kalispell; and daughter, Chanelle Powell, Littleton, Colorado; four grandchildren, Mia and Maeve Kintzler, Kalispell; Elena and Harper Maes, Littleton; also his parents, Rolen and Wanda Heath, Puyallup, Washington; Dennis and Alice Kintzler, Belin, New Mexico; brothers, Daniel S., and Timothy, Reno, Nevada; Mark, Portland; sisters, Lisa Powell and Pamela Kintzler-Graham, Puyallup; stepsisters, Rebecca Holman, Liberty Hill, Texas and Carrie Whitehouse, Maple Valley, Washington; and nieces and nephews, Shamay, Derry, Lanaie, and Zach Kintzler, Reno; Tyler, Ciara and Carissa Powell; Caleb Jeffrey and Ethan Graham, Puyallup; Trevor and Alex Holman, Texas; Zoe and Zane Whitehouse, Maple Valley and many great-nieces and -nephews and close cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy and Ethel Burns, “Bud” and DeEtta Kintzler, several aunts and uncles and one cousin.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at Darlington Cremation and Burials Services Glacier Chapel, 3408 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, immediately followed by a light reception. Pastor Jim Davey will officiate. A full reception will follow the service at 4:30 p.m. at the Winchester Steakhouse at Scotty’s.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Jeff’s family.