Barney Herman Kengla

The only son and youngest of five children, Barney Herman Kengla was born February 16, 1927 in Tucson, Arizona to Herman and Joaquina Kengla. He was the cherished husband of the late Jana (Reusser) Kengla, loving father of Polly Grimm (Richard), Ted Kengla (Donna) and Christopher (Sandi), proud grandfather of Tiffany, Kevin, Natalie, Jeremy, Chris, Barney & Katie, and 13 great-grandchildren.  He is survived by 2 of his sisters, Dorothy Fitzpatrick and Edith Swann.   Barney graduated from Tucson High School and then enlisted in the Navy during WWII. He attended the University of Arizona on the GI Bill where he received a degree in plant pathology.  During his final year of college he married his high school sweetheart, Jana, on August 2,1949.   Daughter, Polly, was born in 1951 shortly before Barney was drafted into the army (Korean Conflict).   While serving in Korea he became a decorated war hero, earning a Silver Star for valor/gallantry in action, one of the highest military honors. Son, Ted, was born in 1953 and Christopher in 1955.   Prior to the Korean Conflict , Barney started Kengland Nursery with his father; he returned to run that business for the next 25 years. In 1976, Barney and son, Chris, started a nursery in the White Mountains of Arizona.  After 8 years, he passed the full reins to Chris and retired.   For the last 30 years, Barney taught his grandchildren the fine art of cat fishing, became an accomplished jeweler, and an energetic square dancer. He brightened every room with his smile and "can do" attitude.    At age 89, on his way to pick up his best friend and square dancing partner, Dovie, he passed away on September 9, 2016.   His life was celebrated in a memorial service in the White Mountains. He will be interred with full military honors at 1:30 PM on Saturday, October 15 at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona.   Barney was a man of faith, character, and integrity. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.