David Lynn Kienzle, 74, of Fayetteville, AR, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024. He was born on May 8, 1950, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Donald and Georgia Kienzle. David led an eclectic life and will be remembered by his loved ones and friends for his wit, friendliness, and intelligence.
David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia; son, Robert and daughter-in-law, Grace; son, Michael; his sister-in-law, Suzette; and his nephews, Kevin and Jason. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his older brother, Robert.
In 1968, David started dating Patricia and graduated from Oklahoma City’s Southeast High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1984. He served in the United States Air Force and became an air traffic controller in Japan, Texas, and Oklahoma. Later in life, David continued his career at airports in Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale. He was the first air traffic manager at the NW Arkansas Regional Airport.
David had a passion for acting and was featured in The Blue and The Gray (1982), Under Siege (1986), and Biloxi Blues (1989). He was a stage actor throughout high school, university, and later in life, including performances in Out of Order at Fayetteville’s Walton Arts Center. David started skeet shooting in February 1973 and won the Armed Forces Skeet Championship in July 1973. His lifelong hobbies were golfing, fishing, darts, and his wife, Patricia, above all of them.
David and Patricia married on July 22, 1972. Patricia will always remember David for his vital support in all her endeavors, including her “Life is Like a Pickle” educational programs as well as her volunteer roles in Rolling Hills Baptist Church and Lee Street Community Center, Elaine, AR. In recent years, David and Patricia spent time improving their home and yard together while reminiscing over the love and laughter they shared.
David’s memorial service will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Rolling Hills Baptist Church, 1400 E. Rolling Hills Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72703.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Lee Street Community Center, PO Box 235, Elaine, AR, 72704. Donations may also go to Lee Street through RHBC: https://account.venmo.com/u/ROLLINGHILLS-BAPTISTCHURCH. Please note David Kienzle on the transaction.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Patricia, Bob, and Mike,
A loss of this magnitude is seemingly impossible to grasp. David was a larger-than-life character that brightened every room he entered. From the terrible ‘Dad jokes’ to the brilliant and witty jokes, you always knew that one was coming. David didn’t just make me a better Cricket (dart) player, he opened my eyes to points of view I may have not otherwise considered about life, period.
He’ll be terribly missed. My prayers are with you all and your family.
Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Pat,
May you and your sons find that “peace that passeth all understanding” as you face this loss of such magnitude with David’s passing.
I will keep that laughter with me forever. A true friend.
Thank you Pat, Michael and Bobby, for sharing David. You are loved and kept in my heart.
Dana
David was a good friend in grade school and high school. I send my condolences to you Pat and your boys . My heart is heavy for you . I remember the model airplanes we both shared interest in. He was really a friend and neighbor to me.
David and I spent many hours together working on plays at Southeast High School. I graduated in 69, just a year after David. He was always upbeat and funny and loved acting.
Pat, Michael, and Bob,
My heart breaks for you, Especially you Pat. The love you two shared was like no other. His continuous support in everything you do was unwavering.
His laugh, smile, and humor were contagious. He was always such a joy to be around. He is in heaven enjoying golf and darts and sharing his dad jokes, while missing you Pat.
We wrap our arms around you in this time of grief.
Love you so much Pat.
Mindy and Larry Longoria and Celeste and Bailey
Pat, I never got the opportunity to meet David personally. However, I’ve always felt that I met him through you, in your unwavering commitment to the welfare and improvement of others, your strategic efforts to bridge relationships, and your effortless ability to muster peace and love. Now, after reading all the condolences of others, I see that I have met David in you. Our heart goes out to you and your family and friends .
I pray God’s mighty comfort and blessings on you and your family in this time of need.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall decend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Pat, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m keeping you, Bob and Michael in my prayers.
Miss Pat, “the pickle lady”!! I’m so sorry about the loss of your forever love, you’re on my mind and heart and your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
On behalf of the entire Divine Deliverance Christian Ministries’ Family and the Lee Street Community Center, we extend our deepest condolences to our dear friend Pat Kienzle and her beautiful family on the loss of her beloved husband, David.
Pat and David, your tireless commitment to the children of our community of Elaine, AR has been a blessing to us all!
David was a truly remarkable
man—always a joy to be around and a steadfast friend. His selfless spirit and unwavering support for his wife and the work she done will never be forgotten. We are profoundly thankful for the years he so graciously shared you with us, standing by your side as you served our community.
Please know that we are here for you and your family during this difficult time. If there is any way we can assist you, do not hesitate to let us know.
You are in our prayers as we ask for strength and peace for the family in the days ahead.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Evang. Angela Nash
Divine Deliverance Christian Ministries’ and
Lee Street Community Center
My bright always happy cousin, there are no comforting words to say over your loss and Gods return of the angel he sent down years ago to comfort so many people and enhance so many lives with joy and especially to be your best friend and husband all those awesome years. I will continue to pray over you and your family to find peace and comfort in knowing he is now your heavenly husband who will always be watching over you and protecting you. Love Joyce
I am a friend of Robert’s from his years in Korea. I am so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to Robert’s family, and I’m sorry for your loss…
My sincere condolences to Bob and his family for their loss. I’m really saddened to hear this news, but hope you and your family cope well during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Pat…
Hope our chat last night relieved your pain for a moment. Allow the mountain of memories over 52 years of marriage carry you through these hard times.
I will always remember Dave each time I see an airplane. Our times at Enid and conversations as I overflew NW Arkansas Regional Airport. With Hugs, warm thoughts and prayers.
We want to extend our deepest condolences to Bob and his family during this most difficult time. And, thank you and your family for all the kindness and joy.
Patricia,
I am so sorry for your loss. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting David, you painted a beautiful portrait of him during our conversations. I send you prayers and my love as you enter this new chapter of your life.
Sending love to you, Bob and your family at this difficult time.
– Joanne, Sonny and Leo Hwang
(Seoul)
I never had the pleasure of meeting David, but I have been good friends with his son Bob for many years. And, if what they say is true (“The apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree”), then there is no doubt that we have just lost a great man. Rest In Peace, David, and condolences to all of his friends and family.