Rene David Canet, 72

Rene David Canet, age 72, passed away February 11, 2025. Dave was born March 29, 1952, in Valentine, NE to Rene and Esther (Reimers) Canet. He was the third of six children and grew up on the Canet Ranch. Dave went to school in a one room school K-eighth grade and attended VHS ninth through 12th. After graduation, in 1970, he attended Auto Body trade school in Sidney, NE.

Dave married Gwen Risseeuw in 1978. To this union three children were born, Sara, Steven, and Samuel. They lived in Valentine until 1986 when they moved to Chadron, NE.

Dave worked as a, auto body mechanic for many auto body shops in Valentine, Crawford, and Chadron. Dave also worked out of his garage installing windshields up until 2023.

Dave enjoyed working with his hands. He made models out of popscicle sticks that included his childhood home, a church, Ferris wheel, windmill, airplanes, light house, many sail boats, a replica of the Titanic, and others all without a pattern. Dave also enjoyed watching old western movies and Nebraska football. Dave’s grandchildren and nieces and nephews brought so much joy to his life. The last days of his life were not easy but we are sure he was greeted by his family at Heaven’s gates. He was preceded in death by his parents Rene and Esther Canet; his brother Steven and his sister Marcia.

Dave is survived by his wife Gwen Canet; his children Sara Clyde, Steven Canet, and Samuel Canet; five grandchildren: Carter Clyde, Anthony Clyde, Ramsey Canet, Vesper Canet, and Roman Canet; sisters Mercedes (Rod) Gerdes, Colleen (Dave) Anderson, brother Chris (Tess) Canet; sister and brother in laws LaDonna (Bob) Nelson, Wes (Allison) Risseeuw, Wayne (Jean) Risseeuw, Joni (Scott) Roberts; 19 nieces and nephews; plus 31 great nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and a host of friends.