Delbert Gene Kohtz

Delbert Gene Kohtz April 29, 1942 – May 2, 2026

Delbert Gene Kohtz, a man whose life was defined by quiet strength, unwavering conservative principle, and a deep love for family, faith, and Idaho, passed peacefully into the arms of his heavenly Father on May 2, 2026. He was surrounded by his beloved wife of sixty years and their four children. Del lived 84 remarkable years as a true son of the American West—innovator, patriot, servant-leader, and steward of the land.

Born in the spring of 1942, to Ralph Kohtz and Adele Huettig-Kohtz, Del grew up in the Magic Valley of Southern Idaho. His education began at Trinity School in Eden, and continued at Hazelton before he became part of history as a member of the very first graduating class of the brand-new Valley High School in 1960. He studied at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, and then pursued Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, laying the foundation for a lifetime of mechanical ingenuity and problem-solving.

A proud patriot, Del answered the call to serve in the Idaho National Guard. He served six years. The same sense of duty extended to his community. He served for many years on the local school board, shaping the education of a generation of children. A committed Republican, he chaired the Jerome County Republican Central Committee for twelve years and represented Jerome County as the State Party Representative. He also served in the North Side Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Jerome County Planning and Zoning Commission. Whether in uniform, at a school board meeting, or guiding county politics, Del stood for integrity, hard work, and putting people first.

His Christian faith was the bedrock of his life. A devout believer, Del served his church with distinction as Chairman of the Council, the Board of Elders, and as Elder for two full terms. His faith wasn’t just professed—it was lived out daily through service, humility, and a genuine love for his fellow man.

For most of his adult life, Del was a proud owner-operator of the family farm. He was a master fixer and creator who could repair nearly anything, fabricate tools from scratch, and weld with the precision of a craftsman. His restless energy led him into many ventures: custom farming, well drilling, even a stint in gold mining. He sold potatoes with his good friend John Honhorst, and bought seed potatoes for IdaPride. He later became a respected realtor and brokerage specialist in the complex world of agricultural water rights. In a region where water is life, Del founded Idaho Water Company, LLC., and became a trusted advisor to farmers, businesses, and municipalities across Idaho, helping solve critical water challenges with wisdom and creativity.

Del loved the great outdoors. When farm life allowed, you could always find him on an Idaho lake or stream, casting his fly line or floating the waters of Island Park or Henry’s Lake, seeking his next big catch.

Del was preceded in death by his father Ralph Kohtz, his mother Adele Kohtz, his brother Evan Kohtz, and his sister Susan Guntren. He is survived by his loving wife, Frances LaLonie Brown-Kohtz; their four children, Kimberly Tilley (Rob), Kevin Kohtz (Gia), Karena Regan (Corey), and Kristen Schneider (Mark); and eight cherished grandchildren: Savannah, Kazden, Isabel, Tyler, Parker, Kiera, Hannah, and Tristan.

Delbert Gene Kohtz leaves behind a legacy of faithful service, resourceful leadership, and deep family devotion. He was a man who worked with his hands, led with his heart, and lived with conviction. Though the fields he loved will miss his touch, those who knew him will carry his example of integrity, ingenuity, and love for many years to come.

Services for Del will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Eden, Idaho, on Saturday, May 9, at 11:30. It will be followed by a celebration of life and a light lunch by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Flowers may be delivered to the church after 10 a.m. In lieu of any other assistance, the family suggests contributions to ALS.org, the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research in the world, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.