Obituary of Dwayne Kelndorfer

Dwayne Joseph Kelndorfer, “Dippy,” was born in Killam on October 7, 1971 to his parents, Dianne and Joseph Kelndorfer. He was their only son and last born after his sisters Adele, Deborah, Patty, and Susan. 

Dwayne grew up on the family farm south of Killam where he spent the majority of his days. Any free time that he had, he would spend with his friends, playing hockey for the Killam Indians and Killam Wheat Kings or baseball for the Killam Braves, and enjoying the outdoors. 

Dwayne started his family at the young age of 24, ten short months before marrying his former wife, Reena, when they welcomed their first daughter, Shyann (Shybear) into the world. He loved being a father so much that 15 months later they welcomed their second daughter, Sydney (Squid). They moved to the family farm in 1998. In 2002, they welcomed their son, Landon (Nugget). 

Dwayne was a cattle and grain farmer, but his biggest pride and joy were his three children. He would build ice rinks at the farm for the kids to practice skating on and spent countless hours playing catch in the front yard. He rarely missed a game played and was so proud of the many sports his children took part in over the years. 

Dwayne loved the outdoors, spending time with family and friends on campouts, fishing trips, travelling and most of all riding horses in the mountains. Most recently, he had created his own piece of heaven at Buffalo Lake at his lake lot. It was a place that welcomed anyone, no matter who they were. 

Dwayne was also well known for giving back to his community. He volunteered many hours towards the Killam Minor Hockey Association and coached both hockey and baseball. 

Dwayne lived a full life in his 52 short years. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humour, kind heart and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him. 

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Shyann (Ryan) Haeberle; Sydney (Matt Palmer) Kelndorfer; son, Landon (Marlie De Vos) Kelndorfer; his children’s mother; Reena Kelndorfer; father Joseph Kelndorfer; mother Dianne Kelndorfer; siblings Adele (Jim) Clark; Deborah (Lino Mula) Kelndorfer; Patty (Garry Buchholz) Cole; Susan (Tony Bukkems) Kelndorfer; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

Dwayne was predeceased by his grandparents Frank and Theresa Kelndorfer; and Norman and Lorraine Zimmel. As well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. 

Dwayne’s memorial will be held at the Killam Community Hall June 14, 2024 at 11:00 am. The family would like to encourage those attending to wear a local teams’ jersey in support of Dwayne’s love for sports. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dwayne’s memory can be directed to Vision Credit Union in support of Battle River Minor Hockey Association.