We are saddened by the loss of longtime Grinnell College faculty member Philip L. Kintner, who died Jan. 1, 2012.
Philip Kintner was born in Canton, Ohio on January 23, 1926. He entered U.S. Army service in August 1944 and served in the European theatre from January 1945 to August 1946. During his military career he was awarded the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) medal with 2 bronze stars.
He earned his B.A. at Wooster College in 1950 (honors in history) and his M.A. and Ph.D. at Yale University. In 1951 he married Anne Marie Genung. His area of expertise was in western European history. He taught at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and at Reed College in Portland, Ore., before joining the faculty of Grinnell College in 1964. He taught in the history department as associate Professor from 1964 to 1969 and as full professor from 1970 to 1996. He was Samuel R. and Marie-Louise Rosenthal Professor of Humanities from 1976 to 1996. He served as chair of the faculty in 1972. He taught in the Grinnell in Florence program 1989–90 and received numerous study and research grants to pursue research in the Stadtarchiv in Memmingen, Germany. He was instrumental in developing Chinese studies in history and culture at Grinnell, efforts that helped to pave the way for Grinnell’s long-standing and successful institutional exchange program with Nanjing University. Throughout his career, Kintner was a steady advocate and supporter of Burling Library and its programs. In March 1991, a special history symposium was held on Early Modern Europe, in honor of Kintner’s contribution to Grinnell College and the Department of History. He retired in 1992 after 28 years of a distinguished career. As professor emeritus, he remained active in writing, reviewing, and research.
At Grinnell, he taught Western European History, Medieval and Early Modern History, Medieval and Early Modern Humanities, and — a particular favorite of his — Historiography. His students remember him for his warmth, his gentle and engaging manner, his intellectual rigor, his tremendous knowledge of history and historiography, and — perhaps most of all — for his evident love for his students, for history, and for Grinnell.
In a reflection he wrote in 1996, Kintner said he became interested in history while in high school during the World War II, as “I would soon be in the Army and wanted to know what we were fighting for.” He was further influenced by “unforgettable” teachers. “From them I learned the invaluable lesson that nothing written has but one meaning, and that intelligent people can disagree heatedly on interpretations without anyone being right or wrong, and no one being hurt.” He passed this teaching on to generations of students in his own classes, which often featured lively discussions.
Of teaching, he wrote that the three most essential things were: “One, the amount of sheer effort — work — required to keep on top of one’s many subject areas [and] teach them meaningfully to students. … Two, that one never knows enough. … Three, that a certain amount of humility is essential. … A teacher should always allow students to think they can know as much or more as their instructor, IF they are willing to pursue the topic.”
He wrote that the best part of teaching “is without question the mind-hungry students who come to college wanting to learn. They are not always the brightest when they appear, but they are always the most rewarding and often go on to become some of the brightest. … Many of them keep in touch, and their accomplishments are like those of one’s own children.”
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elvan and William Kintner; by his sister Betty Kintner; and in 2003 by his wife Anne Kintner, former Grinnell College archivist. He is survived by his three daughters, Karen Kintner Bucky ’82 of Williamstown, Mass., Judith Kintner ‘85 of Yellow Springs, Ohio, and Jennifer Kintner ’86 of Jonesborough, Tenn.; and by five grandchildren: Jacob Leo Kintner ’14, Shawn Felix Kintner, Jonah Philip Kintner, Miranda Kintner Bucky, and Susannah Louisa Bucky.
A memorial service will be held in Herrick Chapel, Grinnell College, on April 7th. Any donations may be made to Grinnell College, Hospice of Grinnell, or Doctors Without Borders.
If you’d like to share a remembrance of Professor Kintner with his family and the Grinnell community, feel free to submit one by using the comment form below.
with everyone else who has written in, I was sorry to hear the news
about Mr. Kintner, and I will always think of him as “Mr. Kintner”. I
was a Biology major at Grinnell, but at heart I was and am a true
liberal arts junky. Only at a school like Grinnell, would a science
major be able to take high level history seminars such as those taught
by Mr. Kintner. I took his Renaissance history seminar in spring 1974,
and his Reformation seminar in spring 1975. I was
expecting lots of art, and maybe science, in the Renaissance course, but
held my own with the chunks of theology and politics. The papers I
wrote were: “Two Memoirs of Renaissance Florence” (about Buonaccorso
Pitti and Gregorio Dati), “The Commentaries of Pius
II” (his attitudes towards the cardinals), “The Renaissance Diplomat”,
and a final paper about 1. Michelet’s characterization of the
Renaissance as the ‘discovery of the world and man’, and 2.
Individualism and freedom in handling ideas during the Renaissance.
These papers are in files in my basement, and I treasure them as
reminders of those four special years at Grinnell, when I was free to
pursue a wide range of intellectual interests.
Kintner’s passing, I went down to the basement, and retrieved the
papers. Although I barely recognize the subject matter today, I was
relieved to see all the A’s and all the generous and
supportive comments from Mr. Kintner. I don’t remember details about the
Renaissance, but I do remember how kind he was, and that must be the
reason I slogged on, taking the next course, the following spring.
Again, what was I expecting? The Reformation is
pretty much all about Protestant and Catholic theology. For me, a Jewish
girl from New York, it was my first scholarly encounter with
Christianity (until then my only exposure was to the commercialism of
Christmas and Easter). I was uncomfortable with the dose
of theology, and chose to write my term paper on the role of the Jews in
Sixteenth Century Germany. Again, Mr. Kintner was kind and supportive,
understanding my need to place my personal heritage in the context of
the European history he was teaching. So, I
learned about European history, and I learned about my place in the
world, and in this case, it wasn’t a very happy story. Probably this is
not the place to describe how widely my eyes were opened, but, for me,
this is what scholarship should do – bring us
awareness of the world, and self-knowledge.
curiosity about history, and my ability to seek answers to questions
that interested me. He helped launch me on a lifetime of reading history
for pleasure, and is one of the reasons that
history books are all over my house. I am just finishing David Boyle’s
“Toward the Setting Sun” about Columbus, Cabot and Vespucci, and am
struck by the many references to the politics of 15th century Italy,
subject matter we touched on in Mr. Kintner’s class.
I don’t remember the details, but I remember Mr. Kintner stating how
important it was.
was co-author of a book on epidemiology, published by Scientific
American, and directed towards the general public. I pulled the lucky
straw and got to write the chapter on the history
of epidemiology. I was thrilled to be able to bring my enjoyment of
history into my professional life, and we were fortunate to have Mr.
Kintner’s comments on the chapter (acknowledged in the Preface to the
book). I cannot find his original comments on the
chapter, but did find a copy of a letter from him in 1996, after having
read our published book – kind, and scholarly, and supportive.
visited Grinnell with my 16 year old daughter, and 14 year old son. We
were kicking off college tours and it was a great excuse to fly out to
Iowa (from Baltimore). The Kintners invited us
to their home for dinner and a pleasant evening, and I think my children
were impressed that Grinnell professors and their families would extend
so much warmth to a student after so many years had passed.
Karen, Judy & Jennifer: The closest I came to taking a class from your Dad was Am Civ I that was team taught. I actually knew Karen (who will recall living in the same dorm) long before I knew either your Mom or Dad. Regardless, your parents were both treasures and I echo many of the sentiments written in this forum already. Clearly, the world is a better place for your Dad, and Mom, having been in it. I know you are all fitting legacies, as are your children.
A local alum, who was an advisee of your Dad's (but did not post here), was much touched by his passing and shared with me the many important ways he impacted her life. I know she even gave a gift to Grinnell at the news of his passing (she's not - or at least hasn't been - a regular donor). I'd hoped to suggest to her that we make the trip on April 7. However, at this time, it doesn't seem in the cards for me, so wanted you to know I'd be with you in spirit on the day that you celebrate his life.
With Warm Regards - Anne Rawland Gabriel, 1982
Along with everyone else who has written in, I was sorry to hear the news about Mr. Kintner, and I will always think of him as “Mr. Kintner”. I was a Biology major at Grinnell, but at heart I was and am a true liberal arts junky. Only at a school like Grinnell, would a science major be able to take high level history seminars such as those taught by Mr. Kintner. I took his Renaissance history seminar in spring 1974, and his Reformation seminar in spring 1975. I was expecting lots of art, and maybe science, in the Renaissance course, but held my own with the chunks of theology and politics. The papers I wrote were: “Two Memoirs of Renaissance Florence” (about Buonaccorso Pitti and Gregorio Dati), “The Commentaries of Pius II” (his attitudes towards the cardinals), “The Renaissance Diplomat”, and a final paper about 1. Michelet’s characterization of the Renaissance as the ‘discovery of the world and man’, and 2. Individualism and freedom in handling ideas during the Renaissance. These papers are in files in my basement, and I treasure them as reminders of those four special years at Grinnell, when I was free to pursue a wide range of intellectual interests.
After reading of Mr. Kintner’s passing, I went down to the basement, and retrieved the papers. Although I barely recognize the subject matter today, I was relieved to see all the A’s and all the generous and supportive comments from Mr. Kintner. I don’t remember details about the Renaissance, but I do remember how kind he was, and that must be the reason I slogged on, taking the next course, the following spring. Again, what was I expecting? The Reformation is pretty much all about Protestant and Catholic theology. For me, a Jewish girl from New York, it was my first scholarly encounter with Christianity (until then my only exposure was to the commercialism of Christmas and Easter). I was uncomfortable with the dose of theology, and chose to write my term paper on the role of the Jews in Sixteenth Century Germany. Again, Mr. Kintner was kind and supportive, understanding my need to place my personal heritage in the context of the European history he was teaching. So, I learned about European history, and I learned about my place in the world, and in this case, it wasn’t a very happy story. Probably this is not the place to describe how widely my eyes were opened, but, for me, this is what scholarship should do – bring us awareness of the world, and self-knowledge.
Mr. Kintner affirmed my curiosity about history, and my ability to seek answers to questions that interested me. He helped launch me on a lifetime of reading history for pleasure, and is one of the reasons that history books are all over my house. I am just finishing David Boyle’s “Toward the Setting Sun” about Columbus, Cabot and Vespucci, and am struck by the many references to the politics of 15th century Italy, subject matter we touched on in Mr. Kintner’s class. I don’t remember the details, but I remember Mr. Kintner stating how important it was.
Between 1992 and 1995 I was co-author of a book on epidemiology, published by Scientific American, and directed towards the general public. I pulled the lucky straw and got to write the chapter on the history of epidemiology. I was thrilled to be able to bring my enjoyment of history into my professional life, and we were fortunate to have Mr. Kintner’s comments on the chapter (acknowledged in the Preface to the book). I cannot find his original comments on the chapter, but did find a copy of a letter from him in 1996, after having read our published book – kind, and scholarly, and supportive.
In October 2001, I visited Grinnell with my 16 year old daughter, and 14 year old son. We were kicking off college tours and it was a great excuse to fly out to Iowa (from Baltimore). The Kintners invited us to their home for dinner and a pleasant evening, and I think my children were impressed that Grinnell professors and their families would extend so much warmth to a student after so many years had passed.
I am so grateful for all these experiences, and for having had Mr. Kintner as a professor.
To Dr. Kintner's Family, our Grinnell Family, and all who loved and appreciated this kind gentleman and scholar.
From the early days of my husband Fritz's career as a newly minted history professor, when we would bump into Dr. Kintner, in the company of Jones, and Guroff, at the annual AHA convention in Chicago or New York, or San Francisco; to the special day when "Phil" represented Grinnell College at SUNY Potsdam for Fritz's installation as President of our current academic home, Dr. Kintner has always been a mentor of the most gentle instruction and a giant among those of our teachers and friends to shepherd us along our way. His academic rigor and honesty as a professor and his love of history impressed upon us all that we needed as students and left us with all we needed as a role model. We are ever so grateful that we had the privilege of knowing him not just as Grinnell students in the 60's, but as a friend throughout our lives. Anne Taylor '71 and JF "Fritz" '69 Schwaller
I had Professor Kintner as my freshman advisor and as my teacher in the freshman seminar "European Intellectual History" when I arrived at Grinnel in 1971, and I have been deeply influenced by his training in historiography and historical method ever since. He is part of the reason I am teaching German Literature and Culture today. He was an incredible, inspirational mentor. I will never forget the time and effort he spent in working with me on my writing, how he taught me to express myself in clear, plain prose, and encouraged my study of the German language, German Idealism and Romanticism. He really challenged us in that freshman seminar. He would begin the session with a question and ask each of us to comment or ask another question, and within minutes we were engaged in a lively conversation, sometimes a battle of ideas and interpretations. I remember his warm smile and gentle manner. A truly remarkable Professor!
If I could insert photographs here: there is the one in my mind, of Professor Kintner in Burling Library checking references in student term papers. And there is a real one, on the fly-leaf to my daughter's copy of Good Night Moon: To Laura Elizabeth Crossett on the occasion of her baptism--and because she smiled at me. Philip Kintner, April 1976.
We will miss him; for us, he's always there in Good Night Moon.
I was fortunate enough to do my honors undergraduate thesis under Dr. Kintner's guidance. I will always appreciate his willingness to encourage undergraduate research and the pursuit of ideas. He was a lovely person and an excellent scholar whose dedication to students and scholarship embodied the best of Grinnell's ethics.
Mr. Kintner (as I always called him, even 25 years after I graduated) was a wonderful teacher and mentor. I had the good fortune of talking to him just about a year ago, and he was, as ever, interested in what I was doing and keen to talk about history. He asked me to recommend books. I was very flattered.
I am reminded of a phrase (I can't recall where I read or heard it): "Look upon him, for you shall not see his like again." I will miss him greatly, though he will live on in my heart.
I am so thankful to have known Mr. Kintner. In 1968-69 I babysat for his children. Living in the dorms for four years, the chance to be off campus and in such a beautiful home meant the world to me. But being in my professor's home made me sit straighter in the chair. What a joy to have an inpiring faculty friend. I hope those children, grown and productive now, will remember their babysitters as being competent, but more importantly, that they remember their father as one of the gems of Grinnell.
Prof. Kintner was professor of my freshman tutorial, "On Beauty." I can clearly remember walking out of the evening classes in a kind of intellectual swoon. The stars shown more brightly, the breeze was palpable. I had fallen in love with the world of ideas.
Natually, I assumed that only Professor Kintner held the key to this world and I diligently began enrolling in history classes, determined to be a history major. At an art opening of mine, standing in front of one of my artworks he suggested ever so gently, "Miss Sadlek, perhaps you have other gifts."
I am forever grateful for the care he took with a student like me who was searching, and finding her way.
After I took a class from him, I asked Professor Kintner to become my advisor. His influence was one of the reasons why I decided to major in history. Although I did not continue on in history after college, I did see Professor Kintner at a recent reunion. I was amazed that he remembered me and asked what field I had gone into. He was a remarkable teacher, and a wonderful person.
Phil was a teacher and mentor who became my friend, and the reason I'm doing what I'm doing today. Though my memories of his historiography class are hazier than those of others, my memories of a seminar on revolutions in his wonderful house on Summer Street are not hazy at all. Heated debate, followed by tea and Anne's wonderful baked goods, often augmented by the products of that gaint garden. I also have many memories of the stories that he told over the years--one I heard several times about his riding around Munich in 1945 at age 18, standing up in the back of a jeep and being the tallest thing around (the destruction was one of the reasons he became a historian of Germany, he said, and of Germany in an earlier period of great destruction). And one I just heard the first time this summer, also of the war, about adopting a kitten while in the army in Czechoslovakia in '45, then smuggling it back to Germany under his jacket when the US troops were pulled out of Czechoslovakia because of US-Soviet agreements. Small and large acts of kindness were part of who he was, as was a passionate sense of justice and a fierce interest in everything, from gardening to architecture to furniture design. (He advised the Mayflower, where he lived most recently, on the proper design for chairs and the placement of art in the dining room, though "advised" might be too weak a word.) My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to visit quite regularly over the last several years, and we will miss him terribly.
Merry Wiesner-Hanks, '73
SO great to read all of these comments and to know how much Dad was appreciated as both a person and a teacher.
It also brings back so clearly the fantastic babysitters my sisters and I had over the years (all of whom I required to play catch with me, and all of whom did), the evening seminar discusions in the livingroom with Mom's cookies (we lurked on the fringes and stole cookies whenever possible), the doorbell ringing on many an evening with a nervous looking student, notebook invariably in hand, at the door.
Students and other faculty members were such a part of growing up for us, and it was a wonderful way to grow up. Once in awhile Dad would take me to the Forum grill for lunch, and it was like dining with a movie star, the attention I would receive as his kid.
I ran away from home on one occasion, made it from Summer Street to the giant pine trees outside of Main Hall where I decided to live forever. I watched a student trying mightily to take a self portrait--setting the timer, then sprinting to his spot. He spotted me and engaged me in his project. I pressed the button for him, then he took several pictures of me sitting pensively under my tree. He pushed me on the swing at Cooper School for a bit, then convinced me that all would be well if he walked me home. He did, I returned, and several weeks later received 5 beautiful 3x5 prints of me under the tree. I still have those, along with so many great memories of campus, students, and Dad.
What a wonderful legacy he has left, and how grateful we (Karen, Jennifer and I) are to be able to share your memories of him.
By the way, Merry, he told me about the kitten too, because I have calico cats, and his little cat was a calico. He said he was grateful to the cat for keeping the mice away from the barn in which they were billited. I asked what her name was, and he said, "Hmm. Just "cat" I think." I also TOTALLY remember him talking about you, first with some concern, "she takes no notes at all, she just KNITS." and then with awe, "She never takes a single note, yet she remembers everything." And more recently with absolute pride in your accomplishments.
He just loved to hear from students, and so enjoyed following what everyone was doing in life. These memories and contacts brought him a great deal of joy and fulfilment at a time when he was confronting issues of mortality, and questioning whether he had lived his life well.
Thank you all so much.
Judy Kintner '85
Prof. Kintner is someone who will always have a special place in my heart. I decided to major in History, in addition to German, after taking his Historiography course. That course had such an important impact on my whole intellectual development. Even though it seems so clear now, as a young adult it made me realize that history is multi-dimensional because of the many perspectives that can be taken in the interpretation of historical events. I ended up doing a senior thesis with Dr. Kintner. So, he was important in my learning from the time that I made that decision to focus on history until I finished my education at Grinnell. His gentle, kind and learned disposition will continue to be an important model for the many students whom he has touched so significantly. My most sincere sympathies to all of his family.
Dr. Kintner was one of the greatest teachers that I have had the honor to learn from in my life. As a science major at Grinnell, I became quite addicted to the study of history because of his Medieval Medieval and Rennaisance/Reconstruction courses. Of course, even more importantly, his courses opened up a world of analytical and critical thinking for me. Kintner's own reflections on the essential components of teaching (mentioned in the obituary above) are incredibly insightful. He certainly lived up to those standards in the classroom.
I was, to my regret, a history major who never took a course from Phil Kintner. It is my loss. Those who did spoke so highly of his classes, his ability to inspire his students. His course in Historiography was often over subscribed. He was a gentle soul and kind-spirited, just the sort of person the College needed to Chair the Faculty Council in 1972. He was one of the greats in Grinnell's History faculty.
Mary Brooner'71
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the Kintner family. Our hearts go out to you. We are also grateful for the many years of service Professor Kintner provided to Grinnell and for the positive influence he has had on generations of Grinnell students.
Clint Korver '89
Chair, Grinnell College Board of Trustees
One of my great regrets as a history major is that I did not take one of Dr. Kintner's courses. Those who did could never say enough about how great were his classes, especially Medieval History. His Historiography Class held in high esteem by all, but for whatever reason I took that class from Al Jones. The History Department in my years at Grinnell was filled with giants - Joe Wall, Al Jones, Phil Kintner among them. Phil was as calm as Al Jones was agitated. As students we were challenged and held in respect by our profs. Thank you.
Prof. Kintner left an indelible impression on me. I had the privilege of taking one of his early Historiography classes. The obituary accurately reflects his passion for that particular course. At the opening of the first meeting of the class he told us (of course I am paraphrasing him): "This course is very important to me. If it is not important to you, in all candor, you should not be here. I will expect that you will be at each meeting of the class prepared to participate. If this class is not important to you, please bring me your transfer. You cannot succeed in this course if you just 'show up.'" He meant it. The course was challenging, but it was also very rewarding. And I learned a valuable lesson about the merits of having passion for your work. Prof. Kintner was a class act.
I never took a course from Professor Kitner, which makes his kindness and generosity towards me hard to understand. On several occasions while a student, Professor Kitner reached out to me by inviting me into his office for a conversation or to his home for a meal. When I returned to campus after graduation he and his wife, Anne, offered me a room in their home for my stay, and once they even gave me small painting painted by Andrew Hsieh's wife, Yang Ming. Perhaps the Kinter's were curious about my early interest in China; I talked with them at great length about my time there. Perhaps it was because I went on to Yale to study history, as Prof. Kitner himself had. I'm not really sure. But I have never forgotten the Kitner's deep intellectualism and generous open hearts. These characteristics have informed my life as a teacher and as a community member. They were important contributors to the legacy that Grinnell so generously imparts on it's students.
So sad to hear this news. Mr. Kintner was a WONDERFUL teacher and person. Always kind, thoughtful and warm-hearted. Quick to smile with a twinkle in his eye.
I think I took every class he offered, despite his encouragement that "some diversification might prove beneficial". Begrudgingly, I flirted with science and other schools of thought. (Of course, he was right.)
Like so many of the professors at Grinnell, Mr. Kintner truly enjoyed teaching, which made all the difference to us as students. His Historiography class was fascinating! He taught us how to think and read critically. It changed the whole way I read books and (so called) news reports.
Devastated by his review of my first college paper ("too flowery"), I learned less can be more, to avoid the overuse of adjectives and that every word on the page must earn its place. And for goodness sake, avoid the passive tense! I still try to follow his advice every day in my writing.
I recall the excitement he shared about his annual forays to Memmingen, Germany to further his own research. He became truly animated in his enthusiasm. Still passionate in my interest in medieval history, over the years I'd check in to see who he was reading and ask his suggestions, which he always made time to share.
And he was such a sight riding around Grinnell on his beloved bicycle!
I will honor his memory by continuing to steer my annual donation to the college to Burling Library (at his request) to help ensure it receives much-needed funding and to honor his wife Anne, who was our wonderful librarian there for so many years.
I am glad I was able to visit with him during my last trip to Grinnell.
Mr. Kintner - the world lost a bit of its sparkle this New Year's Day. You will be dearly missed.
Lisa Hewitt '85
Prof. Kintner was the best. My favorite professor at Grinnell, he showed us how rewarding the life of the mind could be. I'll remember him with great admiration and profound gratitude.
Mr. Kintner played an important role in my life, despite the fact that I only took one course from him. Historiography was one of my favorite classes in a life focused for many years on academics. I was one of those first students referred to in the obituary as having benefited from his support of a Chinese studies program at Grinnell. While my life is no longer centered on China, Mr. Kintner encouraged an abiding interest that continued for some 15 years after college. Would that I had discovered him earlier during my time at Grinnell, but his open mind, graciousness, and respect for intellectual honesty provided a terrific role model I've emulated ever since. He was one of my own "unforgettable" teachers from whom I too "learned the invaluable lesson that nothing written has but one meaning." I'm happy and proud to say that those lessons learned from Mr. Kintner's teachers were in turn passed by him to me and to those I have taught. He was an unforgettable intellect, mentor, and mensch.
I was extremely fortunate to have Phil as my advisor and friend for nearly 40 years. One of the best aspects of Grinnell College is that it attracts faculty who like students, who like teaching students, and who want to maintain lifelong relationships with their students. I know many classmates and alumni with close ties to Grinnell faculty.
I jokingly have said that I majored in Kintner, not history. I took 6 classes from him, primarily because I tried to be as narrowly focused as possible on pre-Reformation history, but also because he was such a good teacher. I also agree that his Historiography class was superlative. It opened an entirely new perspective on history for me. Phil had this way of making your think for yourself without ever agreeing or disagreeing with your interpretation. It seemed deceptively simple, but it’s quite hard to do.
Phil was one of the smartest, kindest and funniest people I ever met. He remembered EVERYTHING, which was amazing. Phil was unfailingly kind to everyone he encountered. He had quite a dry wit and gentle sense of humor. I remember him laughing over many of the small ironies in life. He also was tough under that quiet humility. He had a very clear sense of what was right and was willing to deal with the politics of academia in the process. He was chairman of the faculty and chairman of the history department during his time at Grinnell – these duties not being for the fainthearted.
I loved and adored Phil Kintner. I was fortunate to be able to see him this fall and tell him that personally. He had a wonderful fulfilling life, a terrific family, and died with dignity and humility. I am going to miss him forever. I look forward to returning to campus for his memorial service and celebrate his life with the many others who shared his friendship.
I took a European history survey class with Mr. Kintner my freshman year and then Historiography sometime later, perhaps junior year. He was one of my favorite teachers at Grinnell. I recall being completely clueless at the start of the first course. I didn’t get it. Why were we reading all those old, incomprehensible documents? What happened to the textbook? My first paper came back littered with comments, including a “See Me” at the top. Mortified, I approached Mr. Kintner. He could not have been kinder. He made me rewrite the paper, but I never felt demeaned. He was genuinely interested in helping me. Many years later I was back on campus and happened to see him. He remembered me, though I don’t know why. I thanked him for making me rewrite the paper and for taking so much time reviewing my work. He said that he didn’t recall the poor quality of my initial efforts, and he probably didn’t, though I suspect he would not have said so if he had remembered. He was too much of a gentleman.
Matt Golden '85
Very well-said, Dan. Historiography was one of my favorite classes ever. It helped give me a foundation for how to think and learn about history. When I went home at the end of the semester, I went to a restaurant with my mother and excitedly told her what I had learned in the class. As I rambled on, I noticed people at neighboring tables craning their necks to listen in as if they wanted to join the conversation. Elliot Spagat '87
Philip Kintner was a wonderful teacher. I took his historiography class my sophomore year and I have never forgotten it, or him. The world was a better place with him in it. He was one of the many fantastic teachers who blessed my undergraduate years at Grinnell. My heart goes out to the Kintner family in their time of loss.
I encountered Mr. Kintner as a professor in '66 or '67. I was by no means the best or brightest student, but what he taught me has stayed with me through much intellectual growth. I remember the historiography class and the senior seminar the most vividly. I particularly remember being asked if I thought history was a straight line or a circle; I think he approved when I said it was a spiral. I still think so. I especially appreciate being reminded that he believed that "nothing written has but one meaning, and that intelligent people can disagree heatedly on interpretations without anyone being right wrong, and no one being hurt.” That idea has stood me in very good stead, especially in my recent clergy vocation, as I try to be respectful of those who disagree with me. I also remember how he helped me find a topic for my senior paper when information on my first topic was not available. He was indeed very kind. I was so glad to get to see him again at the last reunion, and to hear his thoughts about Grinnell, and to at last tell him how much his treaching had meant to me.
May he rest in peace.
Christine Westermann Gilson '68
Professor Kintner introduced me to Historiography, a field that up until I had taken his class, I had never known it existed. The history of the study of history? Professor Kintner made this seemingly dry topic incredibly interesting--not to mention intellectually challenging--and his dedication to studying the process of learning helped me in numerous ways, not the least of which included opening my mind up to the type of critical thinking I would later experience in law school and in my legal career. I am thankful to have studied under him not only for what I learned at the time, but also for how I learned it. Eric B. Krauss, B.A. History, '94.
Professor Kintner was one of the best, and most warmly remembered, of the professors I had at Grinnell. He was an opener of new ideas and worlds. For me, the Reformation and Phil Kintner are inextricably fused. He was a wonderful fellow and a great teacher.
Craig Miller, '73
I had the gentleman for Historeography in the late 60's and enjoyed his class very much. I'd like to express my condolances to Karen Bucky who lived up the street from me in Williamstown and to her sister who bellowed, "GRINNELL" when she say me on the road wearing some sort of Grinnell clothing.
I took Historiography from Phil Kintner my first semester at Grinnell more than 35 years ago. I remember him as tall, scholarly, thoughtful, and engaging. The class was a series of relaxed talks and lively conversations that seemed to move naturally from one mode to the other as we made our way through various theories of history from Thucydides to psychohistory.
I felt as though I had walked into a movie set of the ideal college class: the gray-haired, tweed-jacketed professor, the eager-to-learn students, the wide-ranging discourse. It was a privilege to be there: Kintner's intellectual curiosity, generosity of spirit, humility, and good humor were lessons in themselves. He was genuinely interested in what we thought—in what theories made most sense to our generation, and why. He entertained all questions with thoughtful respect, even enduring the ranting of a doctrinaire teenage Marxist with a patience and gentle wit that encouraged all of us to examine our own preconceptions as rigorously as those of others, and to not take ourselves too seriously, lest we miss an opportunity to learn another point of view.
I also remember, verbatim, a sentence at the end of his take-home-essay final examination: "In case of questions, the instructor can be found in his garden." Somehow, that I could wander up to Professor Kintner, blue exam book in hand, and query him about some aspect of an essay question while he tended his tomatoes made the test much easier to take.
I was not one of those who stayed in touch—tho I now wish I had—but I chanced to run into him on campus a couple years ago. To my amazement, he remembered me, and confided that yes, Historiography was his favorite class, too. He remains one of my favorite teachers of all time. --Dan Weeks '80