Mrs. Wanda J. (Mitchell) Kenitz, wife of the Reverend Terry Kenitz, Martinsburg, Nebraska, departed this life on Friday, May 20, 2011, at the age of 74.  She was born May 9, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to Frank and Gladys (Schafer) Mitchell.  She grew up in Detroit and graduated from Redford High in Detroit.  She married James DeRocco in 1955.  The couple lived and worked in Detroit until 1970, when they moved to Gaylord, Michigan.  They later moved to Clare, Michigan, where she owned and operated three businesses.  Wanda married Rev. Terry Kenitz in Clare, Michigan, on June 18, 1994.  In 2002 they moved to Martinsburg, Nebraska, where Terry is currently serving at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Wanda was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid, and choir.  She was also a member of the Professional Business Women’s Association in Michigan.

Wanda enjoyed antiquing, square dancing, belonged to a gourmet dinner club, and was physically active.  She loved children and ran a day care for many years.  Even into her retirement she provided day care for her great-granddaughters.  She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Rev. Terry Wm. Kenitz, Martinsburg; children, Debbie Robb (Steve Gilray), Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; Martin (Michelle) DeRocco, Vanessa (Mike) Sargent, Kimberly (Bruno) Persyn, all of Clare, Michigan; Allan (Janice) Kenitz, Kalamazoo, Michigan; 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; one sister, Audrey McQueen, New Market, Virginia; nieces, nephews, and her church family.  She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Miller; brother-in-law, Robert McQueen; and nephew, Wayne Miller.

The funeral service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Martinsburg, Nebraska, on Monday, May 23, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.  Visitation will begin at the church at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, with the family present at 6:00 p.m. and a prayer service held at 7:00 p.m.  Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Martinsburg, Nebraska.

Condolences may be sent to Rev. Terry Kenitz, 5104 Douglas Street, Ponca, Nebraska 68770-7019.