Wayne Howard Kenitz

Wayne Howard Kenitz, age 80, of Hollandale, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Austin. Wayne was born on September 27, 1946, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Clarence and Gladys (Pickering) Kenitz. He attended Central High School in Red Wing. At 17, Wayne enlisted in the United States Army, serving his first tour in Germany and his second tour in Vietnam. He was discharged in 1966 and reenlisted from 1967-1970. On January 25, 1969, Wayne was united in marriage to Sharon Lea Heine at the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church. After the couple married, they moved to Georgia where they welcomed their first child. In 1975 Wayne joined the National Guard for many years before transferring and retiring from the Reserves. He worked as a welder for Streaters in Albert Lea and in 2002 began driving trucks for Irlbeck Grain in Grand Meadow until his retirement in 2015. He was a longtime member of the Austin American Legion Post 91. Wayne enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. He also loved spending time with his family, traveling, and working on old cars, especially his 1940 Ford pickup.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Sharon of Hollandale; children, Jennifer (Randy Barnette) Kenitz of Nashville, Tennessee, John Kenitz of Austin, and Jaime Kenitz of Austin; three grandchildren, Nick Slezak, Damion Kenitz, and Elijah (Heather) Kenitz, all of Austin; two great-grandchildren, Arkady and Nathaniel Kenitz; and sister, Elaine Giar of Red Wing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Gladys; sisters, Mary Kenitz, Jean Kenitz, and Lois Nelson; and six brothers, Donald, Jerry, Bruce, Ervin, Lawrence, and Clarence Jr.

The funeral service for Wayne will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.