Ernest M. Kanatzar

Ernest Merle "Ernie" Kanatzar Jr., 70, of Topeka, died May 6, 2012 at his home. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on August 28, 1941 the son of Ernest and Marie (Engroff) Kanatzar Sr. He attended Hayden High School. Ernie was a member of the Carpenter?s Local Union #1445 for 54 years. He was a Job Superintendent for Interior Construction for the past 30 years and had worked previously for 25 years for Bob Florence and Company. Ernie loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with his family and his dog "Coy". He married Nancy L. Butner in Topeka, Kansas on September 20, 1958, and shared 53 years of marriage. She survives. He is also survived by his children, Mitch Kanatzar and wife Tina, Eric Kanatzar and wife Kelly, Holly Kanatzar and Jeff Kanatzar and wife Lisa, his siblings, Earl Kanatzar, Sara Kanatzar, Catherine Von Riesen and Stella Penry, his grandchildren, Sheena and Adam Brillhart, Misty Kanatzar and Josh, Sloan Bright, Kyle Bright, Ace Bright, Justin Kanatzar, Ryan Coates and Jenna, Jessie Kanatzar and Dwight, Megan and Matt Havens, Stephanie Finley and Israel, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ernie?s family will receive friends at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KNI or Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.