Anne Josephine Kinzer

At age 104 Anne (Skolasky) Kinzer passed away March 3, 2025 at Davis Hospice Center, Cheyenne, WY. She was in good health until the last ten days of her life. She had attended daily exercise classes, read, and crocheted afghans. Her afghans are treasured remembrances. 

Anne (Skolasky) Kinzer, the youngest of 12 children of Tony and Martha Skolasky, was born October 11, 1920 on the family homestead near Dog Ear Lake, Tripp County, SD. Her parents were among the first homesteaders who established Tripp County. Anne graduated from Colome High School in 1939 and completed a year of college at Notre Dame College, Mitchell, SD, in 1940. Anne taught 13 years in southern Tripp County one-room schools before and after marriage. She fondly remembered all her students. 

November 1942 Anne married Van Kinzer. They farmed for 40 years in Rames Township south of Colome. In 1981 Van and Anne retired to Gregory, SD, and lived there until 2004. In Gregory they enjoyed grandparenting the neighborhood children. Anne had been a Regent of the Catholic Daughters in Gregory. They enjoyed 18 winters in Arizona where Anne made many friends and warm memories. 

Van Kinzer died in 2007 in Williston, ND. They had been married 65 years. Anne returned to Gregory, SD, until her move to Cheyenne, WY, in 2009. In 2017 she moved into Sierra Hills Assisted Living, Cheyenne, and late February 2025 she moved into Davis Hospice Center, Cheyenne. 

Anne is survived by her two children—Harold (Carol) and Nila McCann (Joe)—five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. One great grandchild preceded her in death. 

The family will hold a private funeral in Cheyenne, WY. A celebration of life and internment of cremains will be held in Gregory, SD, during the summer on a date to be announced. 

The family is grateful for the attentive, supportive care provided by the staff at Sierra Hills Assisted Living and for the comforting care of the staff at Davis Hospice Center.