FT. PIERRE, SD – Lyle Kenzy, 88, of Fort Pierre, SD, died at home on Friday, September 13, 2024. Visitation will be from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Monday, September 16, 2024 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Pierre, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at the church with burial to follow at Scotty Philip Cemetery in Fort Pierre.

Lyle Kenzy, devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, Friday, September 13, 2024. He was born in Gregory, South Dakota on November 24, 1935, the oldest child of Don and Marjorie (Robertson) Kenzy.

Lyle attended Fort Pierre Hight School, where he met his future bride, Phyllis Reinhard, and wasted no time beginning a courtship with the love of his life. Thankfully, she didn’t put up much of a fight, and they were united forever on May 6, 1955.

Lyle loved Fort Pierre and his many friends and family that make it such a great community. He and Phyllis lived, worked, ranched and farmed in and around Stanley County his entire adult life. He founded Kenzy Construction, still in business today under the management of his son’s Greg and Mike. He also served on the Fort Pierre City Council and was active in the Knights of Columbus (4th degree) and Parish Finance Board at St John’s Catholic Church. Lyle told many stories of times his young, growing family survived because his neighbors and friends gave him and Phyllis a break. (He also confided that from time to time it may have been because he knew where to hide the truck to avoid bank scrutiny!) Lyle paid every debt he ever owed and generously supported the causes he Championed.

Lyle was most proud of the five children he and Phyllis were Blessed with. All five have done wonderful things and made great family and societal contributions. They would rightly attribute this to their parents and the love, guidance, and safety that was part and parcel to being raised by such generous, loving parents. Greg (Kathy), Mike (Lisa), and Connie (Bret) all reside in Fort Pierre, Doug (Janice) is in California, and Krista (Mike) near Philip in rural Haakon County.

He and Phyllis were also Blessed with 12 Grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren, all of whom have been lucky enough to share in at least one Kenzy sponsored “Fort Pierre 4th of July”, up on the hill. No lost fingers, burned out cars, or house fires, despite Lyle’s enduring generosity in the many Fireworks Stands around town. We all have lifetime memories of these unique and raucous celebrations.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Marjorie, Phyllis’ parents Lawrence and Delores, and his sister Elaine. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Phyllis, and all of his children, Grandchildren, (Kari and Colby Buckles, Amy and Mike Strobbe, Kris and Mandy Kenzy, Brian and Rochelle Kenzy, Brittany Kenzy, Jerry and Katie Batchelder, Nathan and Krista O’Dea, Thomas and Leigh Anne Batchelder, Brandon and Molly O’Dea, Austin and Shelby O’Dea, Katie Kenzy, and Kyle Kenzy) and the Great Grandchildren, too numerous to mention.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Pierre/Fort Pierre Hospice or St John’s Catholic Church in Lyle’s memory. Memorials may be dropped off at the funeral home, or mailed to Isburg Funeral Chapel, 439 S Pierre Street, Pierre, SD 57501.

We are all better for having known Lyle Kenzy.

1. Add to favourites
2. Report abuse