Darrell A Kemnitz

Darrell A. Kemnitz, 70, of Cavalier, ND, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his home. Memorial service will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

 Darrell was born on February 10, 1954, in Cavalier, ND to Gerald and Patsy Kemnitz. He graduated from Cavalier High School in 1972 and then attended University of Minnesota Crookston and also Auctioneer school. He farmed around the Cavalier area and raised cattle on the Bell Plain Farm. 

He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Tongen, and together they raised two children, Ryan and Rachel. Darrell enjoyed his cattle and perhaps could be called the “cattle whisperer.” He knew the particulars of each cow past and present from his herd. He was deeply involved with showing cattle at the Pembina County Fair, now sharing that passion with his grandchildren. He continued to stay involved in the fair and 4-H long into his adult life, helping with the premium sale every year. He often talked about his friends out in Western North Dakota as the “real cowboys.” Marty Robbin’s songs, cowboy hat and boots, horses in the corral, cows in the barn–yes, Darrell loved and lived the cowboy lifestyle. He helped host trail rides as the rides did what Darrell loved-bringing people together with animals, showcasing beautiful scenery, and developing lifelong friendships.

 It is said the cowboy code is simple: be tough, be honest, be fair. Darrell followed that code and added his own fourth component: be appreciative of family and friends. Darrell welcomed people from all segments of society, age, and professions. He met each person as an individual and valued relationships. Darrell loved to visit and tell stories. He could tell the best jokes that always ended with him giggling the most! And yes, it was a giggle!

Darrell and Karen were a team and that was seen in how they raised their family, cared for their grandchildren, and built their farm. Darrell and Karen did not do a random job but did everything with care and thoughtfulness. They made sure that there were horses, cattle, and other critters for the grandchildren on the farm so they could experience the life that had impacted their parents. It was a well-thought-out process of transferring ideas from one generation to the next as values were taught and experiences shared. Darrell was a humble man, but his pride shone through when he was with his family. His wife, children, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. 

Surviving Darrell are his wife of 47 years, Karen, son, Ryan (Jenna) Kemnitz, daughter, Rachel (Marcus) Ramsay, grandkids: Ava, Henry, and Everett Kemnitz, and Nora and Jade Ramsay; Father, Gerald Kemnitz; Siblings: Kathy (Chuck) Fisher, Linda (Lynn) Paulson, Nancy (John) Jenson, Duane (Shawnda) Kemnitz, in-laws: Joel (Loretta) Tongen, Connie Graham, Becky (Lynn) Ault, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Patsy, in-laws, Clair and Joyce, and brother-in-law, Dick. 

“Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say. This is where the cowboy rides away.”