Delbert Kerr, 84

Delbert “Del” L. Kerr of Hayden, Idaho, passed away peacefully May 27, 2024. He was born May 13, 1940, in Outlook, Wash., to Wilbert and Alice (VanKlinken). Delbert was the oldest of two children.

Del grew up surrounded by a family of farmers, which is where he established his philosophy for lifelong learning and a work ethic that he would maintain throughout his life. He was a hard-working, common-sense kind of guy and an entrepreneur who thrived in pursuing new ventures and projects. 

He married Betty Farrelly in October 1961 in Almira, Wash. They were blessed with two children, Allyn and Tammi, and raised them in Hayden, Idaho. Del loved God and had a generous heart. He was a member of Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church. Del was his happiest spending time outdoors with his family and friends. Recently, his greatest joy was his four great-grandsons. He was a proud American, served as a member of the Air National Guard from 1960 to 1966, and was honorably discharged.

In 1961, Del opened his first gas station on the corner of Appleway and Government Way in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In 1971, he and Betty started Kerr Oil Company, a now three-generation company. Del always had high aspirations and a vision for his small business, opening one of the first convenience stores in Coeur d’Alene, with the company growing to 10 locations throughout North Idaho. His ambition and desire to serve the community expanded beyond the convenience stores and fuel transport, in his early career he contracted with the U.S. Forest Service to haul seedling trees and deliver fuel and food to wildland firefighters.

Del was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting with his son, grandchildren and friends and had many wonderful memories of his years of moose hunting at Nakalat Lodge in British Columbia, as well as at the family log cabin he built at Magee in 1984. Del was a pilot and enjoyed flying his plane to the family cabin. Spending time at the cabin with his family was one of his great joys. He was a strong supporter of youth sports, sponsoring tackle football and coaching Little League baseball for many years. In 1973, Del took the local All-Star team to San Bernadino after winning the state tournament. 

Del’s roots in farming and ranching followed him throughout his life. He operated his own cattle ranch on the Coeur d’Alene River and farmed many acres of farmland in various locations. He raised cattle in Hayden until his last days. Del was known for his amazing vegetable gardens and always loved sharing his knowledge and love for agriculture with family and friends.

Del was a true businessman and served his community. He served on the First Security/Wells Fargo Bank Advisory Boards of Idaho, Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands Board, and Coeur d’Alene Airport Advisory Board and was an Iron Dog Brigade member. Del was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. His love for snowmobiling led him to be instrumental in starting the snow grooming program; he and numerous friends spent countless volunteer hours grooming trails and building the snow groomer building for Kootenai County. The building was later dedicated in his honor, “The Del Kerr Outdoor Recreation Building”. He served many years on the Snow Groomer Advisory Board and hosted an annual “chili feed” at his cabin to raise funds for the program. He was named Idaho Snowmobiler of the Year for 1983-84.

Delbert leaves behind his wife, Betty; his children, Allyn Kerr (Debbie) of Hayden and Tammi Burnside (Ted) of Hayden; his grandchildren, Justin Kerr (Laurel) of Dalton Gardens and Jennifer Beitz (Andy) of Pullman, Wash., four great-grandsons; Brantley and Bennett Kerr, Tanner and Warren Beitz, his sister, Bunny (Bob) Brockmann of Tumwater, Wash., and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Del will be greatly missed and always in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Hayden Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12940 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho. A celebration of life will follow the service at the Hayden Lake Eagles, 1520 W. Wyoming Ave. in Hayden, from 5 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Delbert’s name to the 4-H Livestock Sale Booster Club, 4789 E. Landcaster Road, Hayden, ID 83835.

Please visit Del’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.