Delwayne "Del" Kenitzer

Funeral Services for Del Kenitzer, 92, of Baker will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker.

Family Receiving Friends will take place 4:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker.

Time of Sharing at 5:00 p.m.

Del passed away on March 14, 2025 at Fallon Medical in Baker.

Born on September 20, 1932, in Adams County, North Dakota, Delwayne Ray Kenitzer was the cherished son of Herman H. Kenitzer and Lila Oleson Kenitzer. As the younger sibling of his sister Marvis, he grew up on the family farm, a place he loved dearly. Del and Marvis attended school in Bucyrus, North Dakota. Upon completing his education, Del fulfilled his duty to his country by joining the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. It was during a blind date that he met the love of his life, Janice Glenn. The couple married on August 31, 1957, in Reeder, North Dakota, and together they welcomed three children: Delenna (DeeDee), Wincel, and Kenneth.

Following their marriage, Del and Jan moved to Dickinson, North Dakota, where Del worked for Montana Dakota Utilities. A few years later, the family relocated to Hebron, North Dakota, where Del took on the role of lineman. He dedicated countless hours to maintaining utility services, famously working tirelessly for 72 straight hours during the blizzard of 1967 to restore power to surrounding communities.

Del was an active member of the Hebron community and contributed generously of his time and talents. He participated in various organizations, including the Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Jaycees, and the park board. His commitment extended to volunteering with the local 4-H Club and serving as a Boy Scout leader. In recognition of his contributions, Del was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. He was instrumental in enhancing community sports by helping to bring lighting to Hebron’s football field and tennis courts after studying the lighting infrastructure in Baker, Montana.

In 1972, Del’s career brought him from Hebron to Baker, Montana, where he once again immersed himself in community service. He served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Fallon County Fair Board, and the American Lutheran Church Board, as well as contributing to the Lions Club. Additionally, Del held the position of vice president on the Fallon County Economic Development Board.

In 1976, Del and Jan took an entrepreneurial leap by purchasing the Star Rest Hotel and renaming it the Sagebrush Inn. They dedicated themselves to rebuilding and remodeling the hotel, taking immense pride in offering quality lodging to their community.

After retiring, Del and Jan enjoyed many adventures together, including a memorable three-month motorhome excursion to Alaska with friends, creating stories and lasting memories along the way. They spent their winters in Casa Grande, Arizona, where they forged numerous friendships and cherished experiences. As Jan began to struggle with dementia, the couple sold their home in Arizona and returned to Montana, eventually settling in Spearfish, South Dakota, to be closer to family and medical care. When they needed more assistance, they moved back to Baker, where they lived until their passing.

Del is survived by his daughter DeeDee and her husband John Geving, his son Wincel and his wife Stephanie, as well as his son Kenneth and his wife Cheryl. He leaves behind nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, one nephew, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Delwayne Ray Kenitzer's legacy is one of love, service, and community involvement, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.