Dwaine Clifton Kamnetz, 74, of Chatfield, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023, at Green Lea Nursing Manor in Mabel. He was diagnosed with ALS/FTD in December 2022.
Dwaine was born to Clifton and Rosella (Tienter) Kamnetz on December 15, 1948. He spent his youth growing up on the farm in Cummingsville, rural Chatfield. Along side his dog, Buster, he learned about nature, fishing and everything farm life offered. He developed a strong work ethic and devotion to family. Dwaine graduated from Chatfield High School in 1967, and the U of M in 1971, with a degree in agricultural engineering. His ag/mechanical engineering career began at White Farm Equipment in Hopkins, Minn. He married Kathleen Gerken on July 13, 1974, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lake City. In 1975, he worked in Winona for Warner Swasey Co. (fire trucks) and in 1977, he began his 31 years with Onan Corp., which became Cummins Power Generation in Fridley Minn. Dwaine and Kathy raised their family in Anoka, Minn., before retiring back to Chatfield in 2009.
In retirement, Dwaine enjoyed gardening and computer geneology. He was a faithful member of the Chatfield UMC and served as president on the Orion Center Cemetery Board.
Dwaine is survived by his wife Kathy, son Darin (Brooke Morgan) Kamnetz and their dog Buster of Cambridge, Minn., daughter Mary Beth (Tyler) Nelson of Chatfield, grandchildren Charlotte and Clifton Nelson, and brother-in-law Ken Gerken of Lake City.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and half-sister Janet Kamnetz Baker.
Memorial service for Dwaine will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Chatfield United Methodist Church, with Pastor Debra Jene Collum officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at church. Burial will be at Orion Center Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chatfield UMC, Orion Center Cemetery, or ALS Association.
Riley Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the Kamnetz family with arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com.
Mary L. Hanson says
Kathy, So sorry to hear of Dwaine’s passing. It seems just like yesterday that we were all together at Anoka UMC. It takes me back to my Sunday School teaching days. Please accept my sympathy to you and your extended family, and love at this time. I am in Apple Valley living now at Karen’s house. And Kathy is here almost week day, as grandson (Karen’s son) Alex’s assistant, as he has high functioning autism. He’s graduating from high school in June and will go to the U of M. He is an excellent student and is graduating cum laude, so we’re proud of his work.
I hope your son Darin and daughter Mary Beth and grandchildren are doing well as can be.
Thinking of you. Mary (Walker) Hanson, Karen and Kathy