Harvey J. Kenfield

Howard & Harvey Kenfield’s Story Set in Stone

Harvey J. Kenfield, age 95, of Ogallala, passed away peacefully at his home on June 5, 2023.

Harvey and his twin brother Howard were born on March 6, 1928, at Albion, Nebraska, to John and Ella (Fritzen) Kenfield. Harvey graduated from Brule High School in 1946. The call of duty followed shortly after, and Harvey was drafted into the US Army, where he served in Korea.

Upon his return, Harvey worked at TRW for 42 years until his retirement in 1988.

On October 12, 1974, Harvey married Glenda Lee Stephenson in Grant, Nebraska. By that union, Harvey gained two children, Scott and Melinda.

The bond between Harvey and his twin brother Howard was strong and enduring. Together they built several homes in the Ogallala area, including a beautiful residence for their mother. The brothers were meticulous in the upkeep of their properties, presenting beautifully landscaped and well-manicured yards.

Harvey and Howard’s artistic talents shone brightly in their unique collection of Indian artifacts, Petrified Wood, and other rare artifacts. Their appreciation for the Midwest and its old barns inspired them to create Petrified Wood Pictures and Music Boxes, contributing to a collection that can only be described as a world-class marvel.

The brothers’ artistic journey culminated in establishing the Kenfield Petrified Wood Gallery in 2000, with Harvey and Howard donating their personal collection of artwork to the gallery. His passion for collecting remained undiminished for over 65 years, earning him the respect and admiration of fellow artists and collectors. The brothers’ legacy continues to be appreciated by the community through their generous contributions to the Gallery, which is now managed by a non-profit organization they formed.

Harvey was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda; his step-children, Scott Ross, and Melinda Beckler; four sisters, Dorothy (Max) Sanford, Donna (Clarence) Burnside, Ruby (Leslie) Edwards, and Margaret (Hubert) LeZotte; as well as a brother, Robert (Helen) Kenfield; a sister-in-law Glenva Kenfield; Nephews Norman Burnside, Steve Edwards and his twin brother, Howard Kenfield, in March of 2023.

Survivors include his brother-in-law Melvin Stephenson of Kearney, a son-in-law Gary Beckler of Grant, his granddaughter Cori (Chris) Williams of Ogallala, along with four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the Petrified Wood Gallery or GracePoint Church in Harvey’s memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 10 am at GracePoint Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Curtis Tschetter officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Ogallala Cemetery, with the Keith County Veterans Organization providing military honors.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

A Story Set in Stone

The charming folk art of the Kenfield brothers. Ninety-three-year-old twin brothers Howard and Harvey Kenfield have been avid collectors of fossils, arrowheads, and petrified wood since the 1950s. For 50 years, the twins created intricate sculptures out of petrified wood that are all on display at their gallery in Ogallala. These soft-spoken twins will charm you and their art will wow you.

Howard M. Kenfield

March 6, 1928 — March 3, 2023

Howard M. Kenfield, of Ogallala, passed away 3 days shy of his 95th birthday, on March 3, 2023, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Howard was born on March 6, 1928, along with his twin brother, Harvey, in Albion, Nebraska, to John and Ella (Fritzen) Kenfield. He graduated from Brule High School with the class of 1946.

Obituary