Kentzler, Donald H. 1932-2025 Troy, Kan.

TROY, Kan. – Donald Henry Kentzler, 93, passed away on Oct. 31, 2025, at the Wathena Care Center, with his beloved wife, Beverly, by his side.

Don was born on Sept. 20, 1932, in Effingham, Kansas, to Walter Henry and Blanche (Linck) Kentzler. His parents were tenant farmers, and he lived his early life attending country schools in the Cordonnier Community. Then moved to their permanent home west of Moray when he entered high school and he joined the Troy High School class of 1950.

In high school he played football, baseball and ran on the track team, a highlight of which was being a member of the gold medal winning medley relay team at the Kansas Relays in 1948.

After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, completing basic training he became certified as an air traffic controller and was stationed at the airbase in Miami, Florida. He served for three years.

Prior to leaving for Florida, he married Beverly Prawl in the Severance Methodist church on Feb. 28,1954.

Returning to Kansas with son number one in tow, they settled on a rental farm east of Highland, Kansas. Twin sons soon followed, and they relocated the growing family to their permanent residence near Moray. Son number four arrived two weeks later. Don farmed crops and raised cattle and hogs, with his father and brother.

Don enjoyed watching his sons’ sporting events and provided leadership in their 4-H projects. He was an active member of the Doniphan County Extension, and he served as president and treasurer of the Doniphan County Fair Board.

Hobbies included woodworking, parading his 1928 Model A and entertaining school children for “Good Old Days” with his forge and his cider press.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Baxter; and is brother, Gerald.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Beverly; sons, Quinten, Mick (Sondra), Rick (Mary), and Cedric. Also surviving are grandchildren, Ravan, Melissa, Jason, Krystal, another Melissa, and Andrea; along with 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, in Troy, Kansas. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Friends may call after noon Wednesday. Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance, Kansas. Memorials: Doniphan County 4-H Foundation.

www.harmanrohde.com As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.