Deanna Jo Kenner

Deanna Jo Kenner was born to Ruth (Dokken) and Darwin Kenner May 7, 1966. She was welcomed into Heaven December 10, 2018.

Deanna was someone the world would call special needs. But really, she had the same needs as you and I. She wanted to be loved, know happiness, and find Joy in this world. She was raised near Devils Lake on her family farm, and along with her parents, was loved and cherished by 5 sisters and 3 brothers, the baby in a big Norwegian family that celebrated her uniqueness and loved her deeply, all of her 52 years.

Under the watchful eye of loved ones, as a child she flourished, unmindful of the cares of this world she was granted contentment and joy. She spent many days exploring the farm on the shores of Devils Lake, and with the help of her loved ones, experienced life uniquely. Like most people, she gathered found treasures that caught her attention, enjoyed her food and especially loved music. Her daddy would sing to her so often and so sweetly that even though her vocabulary was limited, she could be heard trying her best to sing Amazing Grace, You Are My Sunshine and Daddy’s Little Girl, her voice in perfect tune as soft and sweet as an angel.

When some people looked at her, what they saw were her differences and the things she couldn’t do. But that’s not what we saw, and that’s not who she was. She touched hearts and changed people. God had a purpose for her life and she freely embraced that purpose the best way she knew how and lived life to the fullness of her abilities.

As a young girl she attended school at Minnie H, and through Lake Region Corporation. She lived at home into her 30’s, then for a time in a group home and then when struggles with health issues became too trying she moved into the Good Samaritan Home and there among many kind friends she lived the rest of her days.

On December 10^th   God called our precious sweet Deanna home. Home where her mom and daddy and sister Jan were waiting, home where her Savior has prepared her eternal home. Home where she can walk, she can talk, she can sing, and she is free, eternally free.

Those left to endure without her are her sisters and brothers: Daria (Jerry) Miller, Devils Lake, Karla (John) Cossette, Klamath Falls, OR, Lanny (Lenora) Kenner, Bismarck, Corry (Kristin) Kenner, Devils Lake, Melissa (Mark) Soderquist, Coon Rapids MN, Yvonne (Doug) Bonfield, Madras Oregon, Jeff (Shelley) Kenner, Devils Lake; brother-in-law Myron Bosch and his wife Paulette, Devils Lake and many nieces and nephews.

Welcoming her into Heaven, her Mom and Daddy, sister Jan Bosch and many aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents. The celebration we can only imagine.

Funeral Services for Deanna will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Deanna will be laid to rest in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and will continue on Saturday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.