Tom Huntzinger
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Memorial services for Tom Huntzinger, 69, Lawrence, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2017, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Private family burial will be at a later date. He died January 27, 2017, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.
Tom was born April 25, 1947, in Flagler, Colorado, the son of Ivan and Mamie (Kyle) Huntzinger.
He graduated from Colorado State University with a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering.
He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Applied Ecological Services. More recently, he was a private consultant working with Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS), which coordinates the watershed restoration and protection efforts for Clinton reservoir. He was a passionate environmentalist.
He was a member of numerous organizations, including the American Society of Professional Engineers, Sierra Club and Friends of the Kaw. He was president of the local chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Associations. He enjoyed sailing, kayaking, painting and gardening, and he was an avid bicyclist. He adored his four grandchildren and shared a love for KU Soccer with his oldest granddaughter.
He married Patty L. Basler on February 2, 1974, in Choctaw, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his daughters, Amber (Jeff) Randel and Erin (Mike) Oliva all of Mission, KS; one brother, Larry Huntzinger of Rocky, OK; and four grandchildren, Anna, Samantha, Alexander and Lucy.
The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Kansas City Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society) or to KAWS, and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Tom and I were friends and colleagues at USGS and again at KDA-DWR. He lived his life in what I considered very admirable style. My sincere condolences to his family. He talked with great pride about all of you.
Lloyd Stullken
I first knew Tom as office Chief and then direct supervisor at USGS, but ultimately as a mentor and friend. He had that rare gift of natural leadership of other men and a modest confidence that gave a solidness to his character and strength to his personality. I enjoyed his sense of humor and youthful laugh, too. As one who loved and valued his family above all, he was exemplary. I extend my sincere condolences to Pat and all of his family.
Ron Zelt
Tim was my supervisor when he was Chief of the Nation Water-Quality Assessment Central Nebraska Basins Study Unit. He taught me a lot about integrity, fairness, and accountability. I hope that I reflect those qualities. He was direct and you always knew he had your back. I’ll always consider him to be my first great mentor and leader. I don’t think I ever heard him say something couldn’t be done. He always thought there were solutions. It will take more than one person to replace him and his energy.
Pat, Amber and Erin,
From the time that I learned of Tom’s passing my heart has ached for all of you. Words failed me when I learned of Tom’s illness and they fail me now, but please know how very much we care.
Ron, Michelle and I have been reliving dear memories from those good days when the girls were young. We have precious recollections that seem like they happened a few short weeks ago. What a precious gift memories are.
Our thoughts and prayers surround you.
Love,
Ron and Cheryl
Hi Patty, Amber and Erin,
I was shocked when I saw in the paper that Tom had passed away. I always admired Tom and thought well of him. I know you will miss him greatly.
My thoughts and prayers are for you as you go through this difficult time.
Wayne
Tom and I worked together for nearly 14 years while we were stationed in Lawrence, KS. During those years, we worked together as almost a single entity. His character traits were numerous and above reproach. Tom’s traits were used to mentor many persons, who went on to have successful careers in the USGS. Tom and I retired in 1997, and we both went to work at the Kansas Department of Agriculture where we both served as Managers of different programs. Each week we tried to have lunch together.
Tom will be missed more than I can say. He was a wonderful husband, a father, and a grandfather. At least he got to walk his daughters down the isle, and got to see and hold his grandchildren. Tom lead a full life that was cut too short for someone who had so many things to do. Our sincere condolences to his wife, Patty, his daughters, Amber and Erin.
Sincerely,
John and Shari Stamer
Pat & family,
This is very late, but somehow we did not learn of Tom’s passing until now. I was another of Tom’s many USGS colleagues who benefited from his leadership and commitment to his responsibilities and mission of the agency. We lost touch after our retirements, but have good memories of work and non-work times together. We extend our sincere (although delayed) condolences.
John Helgesen