Steve Kenitz

Steven Lee Kenitz was born January 10, 1963 in Scottsbluff, NE, to LeRoy Kenitz and Alice Gentry Kenitz. He spent most of his childhood living on Bead Mountain Ranch in the Wildcat Hills of Scotts Bluff, NE. He attended Cedar Canyon Elementary School outside Gering, NE. He graduated from Gering High School in 1981.

Steve always loved rocks, from unearthing a fossilized oreodont jaw at age 4 to speaking to school groups about his extensive rock collection in recent years. Collecting rocks and explaining geology was his passion, which manifested in his education. He graduated from Colorado College in 1985, majoring in Geology. After doing field surveying for Western Geophysical in California and Alaska, he moved to Portland, OR in January, 1990 to get his Master’s Degree in Geology at Portland State University. He then worked for Northwest Natural Gas doing research and discovery.

Mutual friend John Gill introduced Steve to Andrea Woodward the day he arrived in Portland. They quickly clicked, and within four months they committed to spending their lives together. They set about creating a life together, exploring their world. Marriage followed in 1997, and their son Liam (William Daniel James KenWood) was born in 2000. Together they went camping, traveled, discussed politics, and read. Steve was a steady, loving partner and a proud father.

When NWNG closed its doors, Steve explored a few other interests. First Adobe Plastering, then attending Western Culinary Institute, and working as a chef for Salty’s Seafood Restaurant. Steve was a big foodie, but in the end, restaurant work was not his thing.

For the past 15 years Steve has worked for the Forest Service, first on Mt. St. Helens and then Mt. Adams in Washington State. Working in the forest had always been his dream, and we’re happy that he was able to make it a reality. He served a crucial role in Gifford Pinchot National Forest by helping campers experience the natural world that he loved so much.

Steve always loved music, playing drums in bands from his high school years until recently. He played in groups including Willie the Disc, The Leeches, The Shaven, Tile Job, The High and the Mighty, and Demoralizer. He went to countless local music shows, continuing to see his friends’ bands perform in the last few years. He collected thousands of records, cassettes, and CDs. Some of his favorite artists were Joy Division, The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Roky Erickson, Neil Young, Iggy and the Stooges, Patti Smith, The Flesh Eaters, Dead Moon and Satan’s Pilgrims.

Steve loved tractors. Since he was young he drove tractors on his family’s cattle ranch in Nebraska.

He enjoyed tractor pulling, and was even the Northwest Tractor Pullers president for a few years.

Steve was visiting his mother in Gering and enjoying the family ranch this winter, when he suddenly became unwell. Illness escalated quickly, and although he and his doctors and nurses fought valiantly, he died on January 18, 2025. We appreciate the dedication and support from Regional West Hospital’s staff.

Steve is survived by his wife Andrea Woodward, his son Liam KenWood, and his mother Alice Kenitz. He was preceded in death by his father LeRoy Kenitz.

Instead of holding one service for Steve, we have decided to take it on the road, celebrating him in Gering, NE, Lakewood, CO, and finally Portland, OR.

There will be a small gathering at Heritage Estates Clubhouse (1270 Estates Drive, Gering) on Wednesday, January 29th, at 2:00 p.m.

Next, a gathering at Alison and Jim Saylor’s house, (1228 Wright Court, Lakewood, CO) on Saturday, February 8th, at 2:00 p.m.

And finally we will celebrate his life with all of Steve's Portland area friends and co-workers. May 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Wilshire Park, NE Skidmore and NE 35th Place. Perhaps bring a photo and /or story and we'll all reminisce together.

Memorials may be made in his name to National Public Radio, because Steve loved listening to NPR as he drove through the forest at work everyday, or to The Legacy of the Plains Museum, where so much of his family history is cared for.