Keith Mentzer, 97, passed away peaceful on May 11th. He was born on the family farm on December 6, 1917 in Yates Center, Kansas. Keith was the fourth son of eleven brothers and sisters. His mother and father, Ernest and Edith Mentzer, owned and operated a farm where all of the siblings lived and worked. Keith and his brothers and sisters worked daily on the farm to support the family and keep the farm going. He was quick to point out that he was born the same day his father got his first Model A Ford and he wasn't sure which he appreciated more.
Keith went to mechanics school in Kansas City in the 1934 and decided to follow his sister to California to explore the opportunities available there. He worked as a marine mechanic in Long Beach developing and fabricating some of the early applications of diesel engines in the marine industry. After he got a job delivering trailer throughout the western United States he took advantage of this opportunity to buy parts and engines that could be resold in southern California.
In 1945 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was one of seven Mentzer brothers that served during World War II. He was moved to Hawaii and from there to the south Pacific theatre. His unit built landing strips as the Marines advanced across the Pacific. After his service he returned to southern California.
In 1966 Keith and his brother, Don, had to opportunity to start a dealership for Detroit Diesel in Nevada. Seeing the opportunity they readily accepted the challenge and started Mentzer Detroit Diesel in Sparks in 1966. The business was very successful serving Nevada and northern California with multiple branches through Nevada. The brothers sold the dealership in 1982.
Keith married Edith Roberta Page in 1972. They lived in Sparks until her passing in 2013. Keith is survived by his daughter Melinda Burton, grandchildren, Adam Burton and Deana Pierce. Grandchildren Christopher and Michael Pierce. His brother Tye Mentzer of Iowa. Sister in law Nadine Mentzer of Reno,and many nieces and nephews. Keith's smile and that mischievous twinkle in his eye will be missed. Our lives are better for knowing him and our hearts heavier with his passing. Please come and celebrate his life Friday at Ross Burke & Knobel at 9 am for viewing, 11 am for services, graveside at 1:30 pm. Reception will follow after the service.



Published in Reno Gazette-Journal from May 13 to May 15, 2015