Kyler Kiner

Kyler Walter Kiner, 24, of Grand Junction, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 4.

He was brought into this world on Sept. 24, 1995, in Ames to Scott and Tammy Kiner.  

Growing up, Kyler was the curly, red-headed, blue-eyed boy who always had his thumb in his mouth. Dressed in head-to-toe denim, just like his dad. 

Kyler loved anything that had a motor, wheels and went fast. From four-wheelers to go-karts, motorcycles to mopeds, Kyler had them all. He was a lover of all dogs. Even if it meant he had to sleep on the kitchen floor with a new puppy, he was up for it.  

Once Kyler stepped onto the wrestling mat at the age of 9, he was determined to be a champion. He took the AAU circuit by storm, winning three state titles and taking the podium five out of the six years. Kyler traveled the U.S. during his AAU youth wrestling career, achieving numerous wrestling awards.  

Throughout high school, Kyler continued his achievements on the mat, qualifying for state all four years. He earned a second, third and fourth-place medal before his career was ended his senior year due to a shoulder injury.

Kyler graduated from Ogden High School in 2014. 

After high school, Kyler poured his passion for wrestling into coaching the Ogden Elite Wrestling Program, while earning his degree in ag business. In 2018, Kyler had started his own business of soil sampling while also working for Power Lift in Jefferson as the fabrication supervisor. 

In Kyler’s free time, you would find him working in the shop with his dad, lifting weights with Shawn or hunting pheasants, deer and coons. 

In 2016, Kyler purchased a red labrador, Ruby, who soon became his sidekick. In April of 2018, Kyler finally found his country home near Rippey where he and his girlfriend, Sierra Richmond, moved. Here they raised two pigs, numerous chickens and, of course, their dogs.  

Kyler was always the life of the party, so full of life with that ornery grin across his face. There was never a time that he would leave you unhappy. He was a “fixer” of all things, the one that would give you the shirt off his back, even if that was the last thing he had. Anyone who knew Kyler knew his tough exterior was nothing compared to his heart of gold.  

Kyler was preceded in death by his brother, Myles; grandfather Paul W. Kiner; and grandmother Linda Randall.  

Survivors include his parents, Scott and Tammy Kiner, of Grand Junction; sister Mae (Birt) Davis, of Jefferson; sister Heidi (Michael) Bills, of Jefferson; nephews: Landyn, Haidyn and Briggs; grandmother Ardis Kiner, of Grand Junction; grandparents Gordon and Kathy Kruse, of Denver; numerous aunts and uncles; cousins; other relatives; and many friends.

A funeral service was held Nov. 8 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, with words of comfort by Pastor Steve Ransom, of First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction.

The eulogy was given by Brian Reimers, Ogden High School wrestling coach.

Honorary bearers included the Bulldog Elite Wrestling Club, Landyn Venteicher, Haidyn Venteicher and Briggs Bills.

Casket  bearers were Shawn Heaning, Michael Bills, Colton Boggess, Zech Doran, Ivan Kiner and Justin Thompson.

Music included “Jealous of the Angels” by Donna Taggart and “For the Good Times” by Elvis Presley.

Interment was in the Junction Twp. Cemetery. 

The family was assisted by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.