Dennis Patrick Kneib

September 25, 1933 – September 12, 2025

Dennis Patrick Kneib, age 91, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on September 12th, 2025 at his family’s home. He was a loving husband to Linda (Ehrhart) Kneib, dedicated father to Patrick, father in-law to Dania, and a cherished grandfather to Lilianna, Natalia and Zakary Kneib.

Dennis was born on September 25th, 1933, in a farmhouse near Hemple, Missouri, the son of James Edward and Mary Elizabeth Kneib. He was the ninth of 10 children. In 1946, his family sold its farm and moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There, Dennis attended Lillis High School and graduated in 1951.

The Korean War was underway when Dennis graduated from high school, and later he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF). He served honorably at Royal Air Force Sculthorpe / (RAF Sculthorpe) for nearly four years from early 1953 to late 1956 as a member of the 85th Bombardment Squadron, a part of the 47th Bombardment Wing, ultimately achieving the rank of Staff Sargent. During his military service, Dennis was a Crew Chief and Inspector of the North American B-45 Tornado, the first jet bomber to enter service with the USAF, and capable of carrying atomic bombs. Dennis’ time in the military instilled in him the values of discipline, service, and patriotism, all of which remained central throughout his life.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Dennis transitioned into a successful career that spanned two companies: Midwest Research, Inc. (now MRI Global) for 22 years and Kansas City Life Insurance Company for 12 years until his retirement. Dennis held the position of Operating Engineer at both companies, and he was responsible for the efficient and safe operation of complex mechanical and environmental systems and equipment. Known for his strong work ethic and commitment, Dennis made a lasting impact on both companies, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and commitment to safety. As a testament to Dennis’ work ethic and impactful contributions in his workplace, in 1979 he was awarded MRI’s distinguished Service to Research Award for 1978, given annually by the Council of Principal Scientists. Dennis received the highest number of votes ever recorded as a winner of the award.

Dennis was a person of strong character and discipline and was a devout Catholic. Dennis was a licensed private pilot, he enjoyed reading, working on vehicles and machinery, traveling around the U.S. by car or van, and attending family and military squadron reunions. Later in life, Dennis was known to his close circle of friends as “Cowboy” due to him embracing his rural farm upbringing and love of the American West. Dennis loved to emulate the cowboy way, telling anyone who would listen how he used to ride horses and mules, and work the farm with his family. He was quick to offer personally-coined catch phrases and Dutch Masters cigars to anyone within earshot, and his jovial nature was contagious to those around him. Whether it was helping a friend or family member move, fix anything, or fence a pasture, Dennis embraced life with a sense of warmth, duty and charity that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Linda (49 years), son Patrick and wife Dania, and his three loving grandchildren, Lilianna, Natalia and Zakary. He is also survived by his last living sister Delores Spellman. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, James and Mary, and eight of his siblings including brothers Bernard and Vincent, and sisters Mary Louise Potter, Ellen Kneib, Marita Barrack, Patricia O’Neill, Betty Waggoner and Bonnie Morgan.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18th, 2025 at 7:00 PM MST at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 7900 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85207, with a Funeral Mass to follow on Friday, September 19th, 2025 at 9:00 AM MST at St. George’s Catholic Church located at 300 E 16th Ave, Apache Junction, AZ 85119. Following the mass, interment will occur at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery at 11:00 AM MST. Following the burial, a memoriam luncheon will be held at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Dennis Patrick Kneib will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on through the lives of those he touched, and he will always be remembered for being a great man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.