Kenneth Martish

Dates

Obituary

Kenneth Martish, 80, of Mt. Vernon, SD, died Monday, June 22, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Visitation will be Monday, June 29, from 4-8:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:00 PM prayer service.

Kenneth Ray Martish was born on February 26, 1946, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Guenivere (Ginn) Kelsey. He grew up in Mitchell and graduated from Mitchell High School with the Class of 1964. Following graduation, Kenneth proudly served in the National Guard.

Kenneth married Marlene Adams on July 3, 1966, in Mitchell.  Kenneth worked for Red Owl Grocery, Palace Cleaners, Burns Lumber, White Lake Creamery, Methodist Hospital/ Avera Queen of Peace, Davison County, and Thune Hardware.

Kenneth served on the Mt. Vernon City Council from 2011 to 2017. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, and the American Legion. Kenneth Volunteered for the Mitchell Police Department and Fire Department.

Kenneth is survived by his children, Tonya (Darin) Ford of Mitchell, SD, and Troy (Lesli) Martish of Harrisburg, SD; grandchildren, Nichole Bussmus (Austin), Zachary (Chelsey) Martish, Elizabeth Martish, and Samantha Ford; great-grandchildren, Zoey Bussmus, Ruger Bussmus, Adelyn Martish, Emersyn Martish, and Quinn Martish; sister-in-law, Elaine (Steve) Rhodes, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; mother; sister and brother-in-law, Jolynn and Robert Ruden; parents-in-law, Vernon and June Adams; Ralph Kelsey, as well as three great-grandchildren and two nieces.

Visitation(s)