Delvin Oentrich

Delvin Eugene Oentrich, age 72, of Barnes, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

With fond remembrance, we celebrate the life of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, farmer, and friend. In his peaceful passing, Delvin leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, and laughter that will continue to echo through the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Delvin was born on December 18, 1953, at Washington County Hospital, the son of Marvin and Verna (Henry) Oentrich. He grew up on the family farm south of Barnes and attended Barnes Grade School and Linn High School, graduating in 1972. He then worked for Barnes Feed and Supply, learning early the value of hard work and dedication.

On March 26, 1977, he was united in marriage to Laura VanKirk at Fancy Creek United Methodist Church. Together, they built a life rooted in the Barnes community and were blessed with three children: Brad, Krista, and Heather—each of whom Delvin loved deeply and took great pride in watching them grow and build lives of their own.

In 1980, Delvin began working at Depew Plumbing in Greenleaf, where he learned the trade that eventually led him to start his own business. In 1985, he founded Del’s Plumbing in Barnes, serving the community for many years. Beginning in 1997, he also served as the Barnes Water Superintendent, a role he held with dedication.

Delvin enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and working with his hands. He took great pride in restoring antique John Deere tractors, combining his mechanical skill with his love of farming. He proudly showed his tractors at local tractor pull events, enjoying both the competition and the camaraderie.

A proud gardener, Delvin was especially known for his tomatoes and sweet corn. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was particularly fond of catfishing along the Little Blue and Republican Rivers. His love of fishing led to the iconic annual Oentrich Fish Fry each Memorial Day weekend—cherished gatherings fondly remembered by family and friends—where Delvin was often found at the center of it all, manning his post at the frying pan.

In 2002, Delvin returned to his agricultural roots, farming alongside his father, Marvin. He carried on the cow-calf operation, finding deep satisfaction in working the land and caring for livestock—continuing a legacy that meant a great deal to him. After Laura’s retirement, the two became true partners on the farm, doing most things together and finding joy in the daily rhythms of rural life. In recent years, they were supported by the kindness of friends and neighbors, whose generosity and helping hands made the work of the farm possible and reminded them of the strength of their community.

Delvin was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Verna Oentrich, and his sister, Ella Oentrich.

Survivors include his wife, Laura Oentrich of Barnes; his three children: Brad (Heather) Oentrich of Junction City, Krista (Amos) Cubit of Garnett, and Heather (Reiss) Bruning of Bruning, Nebraska; and his grandchildren: Ava, Landon, Grady, Eliot, Nora, Rhett, and Henry.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville, with family visitation from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Fancy Creek Zion Church south of Barnes, with family friend Mark Diederich officiating.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Diederich, Dustin Richter, Daniel Vathauer, Kenny Weaver, Ryan Wieters, Brennan Zabokrtsky, and Evan Zabokrtsky. Honorary pallbearers include Ronnie Richter, Scott Vathauer, Lenis Weaver, Rick Weiche, Steve Wieters, and Scott Zabokrtsky.

Following the service, the funeral procession will take Delvin on a final drive around the farm he loved—one last opportunity to check on the cows and land—before proceeding to his burial at Maplewood Cemetery west of Barnes. A meal will be held at the Barnes Fire House following the burial, where the family invites stories and memories of Delvin to be shared.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to either the Barnes Fire District or Maplewood Cemetery, and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.

May he rest peacefully—his work complete, the farm well tended, and the land he loved standing as a quiet testament to his life.