Edward E. Zinger, Jr.

Edward E. Zinger, Jr., passed away on Sept. 15, 2017, in his home in Olathe, KS. He is survived by his wife, Karole; children Sean O'Leary, Derek Zinger, Bretton Zinger, and daughter-in-law Kathy Zinger; grandchildren Branden O'Leary, Kelsey O'Leary, Caraline O'Leary, and Finn Zinger; great-grandchildren Brayden O'Leary and Olivia Fine; as well as longtime friends Pete and Carole Certo and Randy and Carol Landen; and his Dachshund, Katie.

Ed was born May 19, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA to Edward Zinger, Sr., and Anna Mae (Deery) Zinger. He graduated from Temple University, where he was a member of Sigma Pi, receiving "athlete of the year" recognition.

He had a long career in the securities business, retiring from a position as manager of output technologies. A renowned woodcarver, Ed founded the biannual Woodcarving Rendezvous seminars in Branson, MO, which ran for 32 years; co-founded of the Kansas City Carving Club, where he served as director of carver development; served as director of the National Wood Carvers Association; won numerous national, regional and local awards for his carvings; and operated the "Excalibur" booth at the Renaissance Festival for 22 years, where he sold his carvings.

Ed loved nature and the outdoors, including tending bonsai trees, annual hunting trips, and producing handmade knives in his home workshop. After moving to Kansas City, he continued to visit Ocean City, NJ, where he spent summers as a child, but became particularly loyal to KC sports teams, including the Royals, Chiefs, and Jayhawks.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Sept. 29 at 11:00am at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S Blackbob, Olathe, KS with visitation an hour prior to service time. Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, or to your local ASPCA.