Kenneth Phillip Yentzer Sr. and Kathleen Ann Linehan

While we mourn their unexpected passing, we also celebrate the lives of Kenneth Phillip Yentzer Sr. and Kathleen Ann Linehan. A graveside committal service with full military honors will be held on Saturday,  June 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Shuman Cemetery, 549 East Swamp Rd., Penn Yan, NY 14527. Please plan to join the family for burgers following the service (location to be announced.)

Ken and Kathy were together right to the end, sharing the same hospital room as they fought COVID-19 together, ultimately both passing within less than a day of each other. Kathy passed away on Dec. 28, 2021 at 6:48pm, and Ken passed away the following day on Dec. 29, 2021 at 12:54pm. We treasure the good memories, and we will miss their smiles dearly.

Ken and Kathy enjoyed life together for 35+ years while residing in Canandaigua, NY. For Ken, Tigger stood out as a favorite character, and many examples of this could be found around their home. He also enjoyed cartooning, and had several published in various magazines and advertisements over the years. He made buttons with pictures of his grandkids, and enjoyed pictures of family in his work area.

Ken was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army Special Forces, Green Beret, trained as a parachutist, radio operator, sharpshooter with auto, and marksman with rifle. His last duty assignment was HQS 5th SPFCS USARV. We are thankful for his service to our country.

Kathy loved having birds and feeding several of the neighborhood stray cats from their porch. She loved art and enjoyed being social and having connections with others. She also enjoyed collecting decorative figurines, angels, and other ceramic keepsakes. Kathy and Ken both helped one another with life and health challenges and provided a caring and amazing support system for each other. Ken and Kathy saw themselves as married, so much so, that even though they never formally tied the knot, they had spoken of doing so, and Kathy was even known to refer to herself as Kathleen Yentzer.

Ken was predeceased by his parents Richard and Hazel Yentzer, a sister Betty Henry, and a great-grandbaby.

Ken is survived by his son, Kenneth P. (Jenniffer) Yentzer II of NY; his daughter, Amanda (Randy) Thress of FL; his former wife and the mother of his children, Deretha Watterson of NY; and six grandchildren: Abigail, Nathan (Katie), Anna, Hannalori, Luke, and Ella. He is also survived by several siblings and their families, including two brothers, Richard (Sharon) Yentzer of FL, Rodney (Lisa) Yentzer of Coudersport, PA; and two sisters, Patricia Stebbins of Coudersport, PA, and Marjorie (Patrick) Rosenberger of SC; along with several nieces and nephews.
Kathy was predeceased by her parents William and Bernice Linehan; and is survived by her cousins Bob Linehan, Donald Lipker, Stephen Lipker, Barbara Nedrow, Arthur Rilands, Jr, Beverly Sabernick, and Mary.
Ken and Kathy are also both survived by caregivers and friends who enjoyed their company.

To be notified about the June memorial details once they are fully scheduled, please email Ken’s son at kenyentzer@gmail.com. Thank you for the love, support, and condolences we have received as we navigate the loss of cherished loved ones.