Peter Max Kenworthy

Peter “Pete” M. Kenworthy, 71, of Stevensville, lost his battle to cancer on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at Hanson Hospice Center. He had been fighting this battle since 2007. Services will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 4:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 5:30 PM. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. On August 22, 1945, Max Sterling Kenworthy was born in Bellevue, WA, to Kenneth & Dolores (Wyatt) Kenworthy. Shortly after birth, Kenneth quickly started calling his son, Pete. When Pete became of age he legally changed his name to Peter Max Kenworthy. Pete graduated from Bellevue High School, Bellevue, WA, in 1963. In the 1980’s he began a degree program in Electronics Technology and graduated in 1991 with an Associates of Applied Science and continued his education at Lake Michigan Community College, where he graduated with honors in Electronic Technology. Pete worked for Univex, Lakeshore Loose Leaf, Heath Zenith, and Jabil Circuit. On a scorching hot day, July 18th, 1987, Pete married Patricia “Patti” Schultz on the patio of what is now their home. Ever since his early days in high school, he was in a band; The Epics, JKQ, Now & Then, Champion, Palladin, Just Cruzin, and Hi Fi. Although his band brothers changed over time his love for music did not! Pete was an avid football fan. He would cheer for anyone that was playing against Notre Dame or the Dallas Cowboys. Pete and his dear friend Randy Lester rarely missed a Lancer football game. Although he complained incessantly about it, Pete loved to be outside grooming his lawn. He had a riding mower for every terrain and a push mower for special banks and hard to get to places.  Every gas can was labeled for each grounds tool.  In fact he labeled everything, all throughout the home there are notes in his handwriting telling you how to do something the right way a.k.a. “Pete’s Way”. Pete’s favorite times in life were with his kids. Throwing the frisbee, big bon fires, hanging out in the pool, letting off fireworks, roasting corn on the beach. Most recently, he especially looked forward to the summer months when all his kids would come home to Michigan and would bring the grandkids to play in the pool, cook out, shoot water guns, drink Old Styles or Rum and Coke, and celebrate just being together. Pete was very proud of his children and looked forward to every occasion he could spend with them. Pete is survived by his wife, Patti; children, Sheri (Doc) Williams, Lisa (David) Kent, Bret (Jennifer) Kenworthy, and Chelsie (Zach) Nitz (Zach is the only boyfriend Chelsie had who was allowed to drive the corvette and Harley); Grand Pu Ba to Addison LaRue Kent; Grandpa Pete to Quinton Nash Kenworthy, Devin Luke Kenworthy and Baby Nitz on the way; brother, Bud Kenworthy; first wife and mother of his children, Gail Kenworthy; best friend, Cool Dave Cassens; band brothers, Paul Gehlbach, Doug Miller, Greg Shafer, Mike O’Malley and Gary Miller; work family, Paul Kurtz, Mike Jackemeyer, Phil Casessa, Jim Crist and all of their families; lifelong friend & Epic band member, Bill Peterson; God Daughter, Amber (Michael) Becker; Papa Pete’s grandbabies, Emelia & Reagan; his D.O.P.’s, Adam & Zach Benke, Brian Fleetwood and Josh Noffke; his P.I.T.A. girls, Barb Kent, Nicole Smith, Kris Kurtz and Lynn Damato; adopted daughter, Katie Wiederwax; and Lindsay & Darrin Kurtz, which Pete taught very important life lessons they will use for the rest of their lives. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth & Dolores (Wyatt) Kenworthy,  sister, Carol Kent. and high school sweetheart Anita,  mother to Sheri Williams.