Turtle Kientz

Turtle Kientz, aged 69, passed away on December 18, 2019. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deanna Nipp-Kientz, his parents Marjorie and Victor Kientz Jr. and his brother Thomas Victor Kientz. He is survived by his daughter Amy Kientz, daughter Gretchen Bybee and son in law Jeff Bybee, grandson Brandon Marina, granddaughter Hailey Marina and her partner Dylan Bangert, granddaughter Parker Bybee, grandson Dylan Bybee, and great grandson Jameson Bangert. He is also survived by brothers Dennis Kientz and Michael Kientz, his cat Sweetie, and his turtle Terrence. Turtle was born as Donald Steven Kientz in New Orleans and was a passionate lover of New Orleans music and food throughout his life. He was DJ of the Boogie on the Bayou radio show on Radio Free Nashville and the proud winner of the 2016 Cookeville Cooking on the Square gumbo cook off. He found his second home in Cookeville Tennessee when he met his wife Deanna, and was active with the Cookeville Friends Meeting (Quaker). He was an Eagle Scout, a former respiratory therapist, a fan of the Grateful Dead, a passionate progressive and an aficionado of all things tie dyed. The family would like to thank Amanda Gaona, Brian Paddock, Ralph Bowden and all the good people of the Cookeville Quaker Meeting for their help and devotion during his extended illness. A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 22nd at 1 p.m. at the Cookeville City Cemetery. Funeral Home Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home, Inc. 2131 S. Grundy Quarles Hwy. P.O. Box 398 Gainesboro TN - 38562 US 931-268-1550 931-268-1552