William Jeffrey "Jeff" Kintzel, 63, of South Whitley, was found deceased on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in Fort Wayne.

Born on April 11, 1959, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a son of William Leroy and Margaret (Hedrick) Kintzel. Growing up in Whitley County, Indiana, he completed elementary school at Columbia Twp. School and attended Columbia City Joint High School. He later earned a GED.

From his teenage years, he developed a passion for floorcovering installation.  Through the years, he became an artisan with tile flooring, earning him a sought-after reputation for quality work.  Always working in the flooring installation business, he also had worked for Dalton Foundry, Warsaw, and Whitley Manufacturing in South Whitley.

His pride and joy were his three children and family.  Full of life, he had a contagious smile and was always willing to help family and friends.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and with a unique eye for keepsakes, he was always on the lookout for that hidden treasure.  In the warmer months, he liked to attend area auto races, drag races, or participate in sky diving, especially with his daughter.

In his earlier years, he attended the Columbia City Church of Christ.

Surviving are his children, Kelli D. (John Young) Kintzel of Conyers, GA, and William B. "Brad" (Aimee Evert) Kintzel of Danville; his mother, Margaret A. Kintzel of South Whitley; sisters, LeAnne (Randy Sexton) Grossman of Pierceton, Cynthia A. (Bill) Bolinger of Columbia City and Penny L. (Roger) Juillerat of South Whitley; and a brother-in-law, Dellas Asa.

He was preceded in death by a son, Andy LeRoy Kintzel; his father, William Leroy Kintzel; and a sister Donna Lynn Asa.

The funeral service is 3 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Park Annex Cemetery. Visitation is 1 p.m. until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.