Kris Willard Kindelsperger
October 31, 1949 ~ July 15, 2014
FUNERAL: 11 a.m. July 19, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church, 618 8th Street, Columbus, Indiana with Rev. Howard Boles, Pastor Chris Lantz, Pastor Greg Pimlott and Pastor Gary Schaar officiating. VISITATION: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church. ENTOMBMENT: Garland Brook Cemetery Mausoleum. MEMORIALS: Memorials can be made to Turning Point, First United Methodist Church of Columbus, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and Hanover College. Kris Willard Kindelsperger, Ed. D, 64, of Leatherback Drive Columbus, passed unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. He was born on October 31, 1949, in Syracuse, New York, to Kenneth and Bernis Kindelsperger, who preceded him in death. He received a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University, a Master's in the same field from the University of Louisville, and Bachelor's in History from Hanover College. He married his college sweetheart, Roxie, in 1972. He spent his last 14 years working as a Senior Executive Consultant at Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, a philanthropic consultant group. Previously, he was the Vice President of Development at Hanover College. Dr. Kindelsperger generously gave his time and energy to the Sigma Chi General Fraternity as a chapter advisor for 18 years, and as an ongoing volunteer; Girls Inc. of Jefferson County as a Board Member and Past President; and Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Columbus, Indiana, as a Board Member, Past President, and Chairman of the Development Committee. Kris was a past Board Member and member of the Resource Development Committee for the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. Finally, he was Founding Vice President of the board and a 10-year member of the Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County. Professionally he was a member of CASE V and AFP. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and faithful member of First United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. He enjoyed playing golf, working in the yard, and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Roxie; children, Sara (Matt) Canterbury of Columbus, Ohio and Nick (Abby) of Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren, Zac and Mira; and a brother, Bren (Glenda) of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania.
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I first met Spergs when he was a senior during my freshman rush at Hanover College.He displayed a strength of character, goodness of heart and amiable personality that made me think: if that’s the kind of person who is a Sigma Chi at Chi Chapter, that’s the fraternity I want to join. He was always a gentleman.Condolences to you, Roxie, and your family.
I’m sorry to hear this sad news about Brother Kris. My thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. All Honor to His Name!
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Kris was a wonderful, thoughtful neighbor, gracious and kind. You are all in our prayers. Margaret and John
There are few people so kind and thoughtful as Kris. He embodied everything that was good about our profession and the charitable sector of our community. He leaves a huge legacy with numerous people positively effected by his example, friendship and mentoring. He lived his life seemingly with the mission statement, “With malice toward none, with charity for all.
I am so sorry,Roxie. My heart hurts so deeply for you. You and the rest of the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Roxie and family, We send our deepest sympathy. Kris was a very special person, and our lives were so much better for having been touched by his kindness, his humor, and his giving spirit. We send our love and prayers.
Roxie and family, I am so very sorry for you loss. Kris was an outstanding person and I always enjoyed my interactions with him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kind regards, Rob Barlow
I worked with Kris on the Development Committee @ Turning Point briefly. In that short time, I realized what a kind and giving person of vision he was. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers – Juli Johnson
Kris was a wonderful man. Every week he came into our clinic with a smile. Losing him as a patient is like losing a family member. We loved him! Peace with the family at this time. May God grant peace to you all!!
To the family of Kris. May you find comfort in the Lord and each other.
Just a wonderful and caring person.
Kris was an outstanding individual who was genuinely interested in everyones welfare. Hanover is better for his having been there. Best wishes to the family and other friends.
Dear Roxie, Barbara worked with Kris on the board of the Community Foundation, and I of course worked with him at Hanover College. We were both very fond of him and want you to know that we share your sorrow at his loss. Bob
Roxie and family, may Christ comfort you in the passing of Kris-an outstanding gentleman! Jeff 1971
We are so sorry for your loss. Kris was a good man and Keith enjoyed working with him at Hanover. Our prayers are with your family today.
Roxie – We are all deeply saddened. Kris, with his cheery demenor and sound perspective will be sorely missed at FUMC. May he smile down on us as we remember him. So sorry for your loss, and we will pray for you and your family.
I was friends with, and graduated high school with, Sara. I spent time at Kris & Roxie’s Hanover home during that time. They are some of the nicest and most humble people I know. Working in Columbus, I’ve randomly seen them in town a few times, as well. I am devastated to hear of Kris’ passing and send my condolences to the family. I am very sorry for your loss; my heart breaks for you.
Roxie sorry to here about Kris. You both have been good friends to Ann and myself. God bless you and to your children Sara and Nick. God has taken a very special man to be with him.
Roxie, Our deepest sympathy to you, Sara and Nick. We were shocked and saddened when we heard about Kris. We will always remember Kris as a dignified man of great character. Blessings, Pat & Diane
Such a great, giving guy. We’re all a little bit lessened by his passing. I will think of him whenever I am at the first tee at Harrison Lake golf course.
Roxie, So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Kami Adams & Laura Latham
Dear Roxie, I am so sorry about Chris. I am so glad we did get to see you both and visit on Saturday. What a wonderful and meaningful life he had. All of us were lucky to have been touched by his life. I send you my sincere sympathy and apologize that I cannot come to calling since I will be out of town today and all weekend. Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer. Nancy West
Janie and Steve Hood has sent this Expressions of Sympathy card.
Kris enriched the lives of everyone he touched. I can still hear his laugh and am warmed by his smile.
We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers. Sandy and Dick (Hanover 1973, 1974)
Roxie, I’m sorry I can’t be there, I’ve been thinking about you and Kris since I heard the awful news. Words are so inadequate, he was a really great guy, and I think the thing I will miss the most, and remember forever was his distinctive laugh- no one laughed like Spergs! Roxie, I am so sorry for your loss and the grief I know you are experiencing. You, your children and grandchildren were the joy of Kris’ life, it was a good life, and you all made it the best. John
Roxie and Family, I know much time has passed since our last meeting. But, know that embedded in my mind are many memories of Kris, his commitment to Hanover and Sigma Chi and his love for you, Roxie. None of us want to leave, but when we do all want to leave behind a legacy like Kris. In Hoc, Jack Scott Chi 71
My sincerest sympathies to Jack’s family on his passing. He worked for me as a resident advisor in Wiley Hall at Hanover College in 1970-71. He was an outstanding young man. God bless Jack and his family.
Kris was an outstanding and dedicated alumnus of Hanover College. His contributions in all of his endeavors have impacted students, friends and alumni of Hanover College. Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Kris will be missed, and always remembered, by us.
I haven’t seen Kris in the 45 years since I left Hanover, but seeing the beautiful video presentation brought back memories of a fun and talented gentleman that left us all too soon. My greatest sympathy goes out to his family and the many friends he made over the years.
Our heart-felt condolences to the Kindelsperger family. We have such fond memories of sharing life with you in Hanover, and know your loss is great. Kris leaves a tremendous legacy, and we hope it may bring some small measure of comfort to know that he is remembered as a truly righteous man. Sincerely, Steve and Surabela
Roxie, Joey and I send our love and support for you. Kris was a fine person and will be missed. Steve and Joey Wilson
My condolences and sincerest sympathies to the family of Kris Kindelsperger. I remember him as an outstanding student leader and individual during my 2 years as Ass’t Dean of Men at Hanover College.
Throughout my life I have held Kris in the highest esteem. Whenever difficulties have arisen in my career i have always thought “what would Kris do” and his wisdom guided me. He was the greatest mentor, teacher, and friend. I will say now what I should have told him so many years ago. Thank you. Never have I met a person so thoughtful and kind. You will be missed.
While I am very saddened to learn that the world has lost Kris we are all quite certain that he made a contribution to everyone and everything in which he was involved. He always made time for others and always in the most cheerful way.
We made a donation to Hanover College in memory of Kris. He will truly be missed. Because of our involvement in Alumni activities for our class (’75), we got to know Kris and saw him often. He always had a smile on his face and a firm handshake.
Kris was an outstanding man, a wonderful professional and a terrific community leader. His loss is felt by many. I remember him fondly from 40 years of association with Hanover as my Resident Advisor, upperclass role model, colleague, and College officer. In his consultant and volunteer role later in Indiana he was a wonderful advisor and source of guidance to many important charitable causes. Words fail to express his absence from the lives of so many he touched.
I was in Montana when Kris passed away but would have visited otherwise. I worked with Kris on a number of projects here in Madison. Kris was always a gentleman, low key, fair minded, with a quiet sense of humor. He was quite a leader. Best wishes to his family as you adjust to a life without Kris – who died much too young. Cordially, Joe Carr