LTC Norbert Alvin Kanzler

LTC Norbert Alvin Kanzler, “Norb”, 84 of Chateaugay, NY passed away Friday, Dec 2, 2016 from a vehicle accident in Bellmont Center, NY. Norbert was born on Feb. 12, 1932 in Trout Lake, MI, he was the son of Leo and Rose (Mahl) Kanzler. He was the youngest of six children, Dorothy Peake, Gertrude Rapson, Billie Campbell, John Kanzler and Robert Kanzler. He married Kathleen McGivney on Dec. 21, 1954 in Detroit, MI. He was a graduate of Michigan State College and served his country with pride and distinction in the US Army, retiring with 29 years of service and a recipient of the Bronze Star. He was an honorable member of the Order of Kentucky Colonels, the American Legion and the Alpha Zeta fraternity (Farm House). He was an honorary life member of the Siberian Husky Club of America and served on the board in several capacities. He was a life member of the Chateaugay Valley Kennel Club, Associate Member of the St. Lawrence Region Dog Judges Association, an advocate for the local wind turbines and a seed salesman for Mycogen. Norbert was an avid sled dog musher from 1961 up to the present. He and his wife own the Innisfree Kennel, world renown for Siberian Huskies and Shiba lnu. His passion and love for animals was evident by everyone that knew him. He traveled the world with his wife Kathleen, supporting her dog judging assignments. He had a passion for woodworking, leather working, horseback riding and farming. He was a very prolific reader, enjoying westerns (Zane Grey), poetry (Robert Service) and historical information on the American Indians. He is survived by his wife Kathleen of 62 years; three children, Patricia, John and his wife Pamela and Sheila and her husband Frank; two grandchildren, Patrick and Kevin; two sisters Gertrude Rapson of Eaton Rapids, MI and Billie Campbell of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and a brother Robert Kanzler of Powder Springs, GA. He will be missed by the dogs and horses of Innisfree that he loved and cared for every day. Calling hours will be held at the Chateaugay Funeral Home on Friday, Dec 9, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a prayer service immediately following at 1:30. A reception will be held after the services at the American Legion Post 375 in Chateaugay, NY. Burial will be held at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org), Save-A-Vet.org, Churubusco Rescue Service or Ellenburg Rescue.

LTC Norbert Alvin Kanzler

February 12, 1932 - December 2, 2016