Obituary
Kennet Mitchell Oberly
Kennet Mitchell Oberly, 59, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, following a courageous battle with ALS. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and art that will touch countless lives for years to come.
Kennet was born to Jolanda and John Oberly on Jan. 4, 1957, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. There he developed an early passion for and fascination with ballet, especially choreography. At 14, Kennet moved to Germany to study with renowned choreographer John Cranko of the Stuttgart Ballet. After two years in Germany, he traveled the world, first as a professional dancer and then as a choreographer and teacher.
His travels took him to Belgium, Denmark, Finland and to many distinguished stages, but it was his visit to Estonia that changed his life. While visiting as a guest choreographer for the Estonian National Ballet, Kennet and the principal ballerina, Larissa (Sintsova) fell in love and married on June 12, 1993, in Tallinn, Estonia. They were devoted partners in both art and life.
The Oberlys came to La Crosse in 2010 to build a professional ballet training program and ballet company with Misty Lown of Misty’s Dance Unlimited. Since that time, Kennet has instructed hundreds of young dancers. While some are well on their way to professional ballet careers, all have witnessed and embraced his passion, perseverance and grace.
Kennet is survived by his soulmate and wife Larissa Oberly, sister Erin Oberly and brothers Brandon Oberly and Mark Oberly. He is further survived by his beloved, and heartbroken, ballet students and colleagues.
Memorials may be sent to The Kennet Oberly Benefit Fund, Coulee Bank, 1516 Losey Blvd., La Crosse 54601 or by visiting www.friendsofkennet.com
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at the First Free Church, 123 Mason St., Onalaska. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Dear Larissa,
I was so saddened to hear of Kennet’s passing. He was a wonderful teacher, and a wonderful man, I have such fond memories of time spent with both you and Kennet in Halifax and in Saint John. I am sure your grief is immense – please know that we are sending prayers and love to you. — Andrea
Dear, the mitchell family im sorry to here about kenne’t I got to this church called crossefire and i was watching a video about him and really cool and my prayers are with u guys
Have faith that his joy surrounds you still. He will live now in all the beauty we see. With wishes for courage and peace–alicia brown-matthes
My thoughts are with all of his family. He has touched so many lives and continues to live thru each and everyone of us who has had the pleasure to work with and learn from him. I will never forget his lessons, classes or conversations. Love to all!
My husband Attila and I had the pleasure to work with Kennet when he came to Grand Rapids Ballet Company many years ago to stage Napoli. He was an amazing teacher… We are both ballet teachers at the school now and he is an inspiration to both of us. May he rest in peace.
Dearest Larissa,
We are all so saddened to hear of Kennet’s passing. He has touched all of us so much and have launched the pathway for so many dancers. After his brave battle with ALS he has found peace and the end to the suffering. We want you to take care of yourself as we know you were the bravest of care takers and his love and joy. Big huge dancer hugs all around you. Paula and Ruben
My sincere, heartfelt condolences to Kennet’s family, Larissa (who I met, some years ago), all his devoted students, and all the many dancers he worked with, from around the world. This is a great loss for everyone who knew him, and for the art of dance. ALS is indeed a horrible disease, and I pray that the great love Kennet inspired allowed him to transcend with less suffering. I had the good fortune to work with Kennet when he was director of Des Moines Ballet/Ballet Iowa. He was one of the best I ever worked with, in all my many years in the dance. Kennet was kind, astute, a keen observer, patient, but persistent. These qualities and his many talents as a balletmaster were formidable. Kennet trained dancers with great skill and joy. His choreographic work and stagings put less known companies on the cultural map. Through the many ups and downs of a dancer’s life, Kennet was there, as a great friend. He passed the joy of dance on, to the next generation. The torch has been passed. The light shall not go out.
Larissa,
My daughter, Hannah Mae, and I were so sorry to hear that Kennet is no longer with us in physical form. We just heard last week. I do believe Kennet will always be here spiritually as his is a spirit that cannot be taken away. It lives on through the masses of people he touched in a myriad of ways. It lives on through you. What a blessing to have encountered his magic as a teacher and as a person. With much love to you, Janice, Hannah Mae and family