Dennis Joseph Knecht, age 60, died September 17, 2011, at Charles City, Iowa, in a farm/construction accident.
Dennis was born December 1, 1950 in Algona, Iowa, to Herbert and Esther Knecht. He was the first of fourteen children born to the Knechts. He attended school in Wesley and Forest City, Iowa, before graduating from Charles City High School in 1969. He attended NIACC and graduated in 1971 with an A.A.S. in automotive technology. After completing college he returned to Algona and worked with his uncle as a mechanic. He returned to Charles City in 1976 and again engaged in automotive repair. He established Knecht Farm Drainage with his father and brother and continued his work as a mechanic. He enjoyed annual salmon fishing trips, working in the farm shop, and assisting his brothers and nephews as part of the crew in the “pits” during the annual demo derby. For the last 15 years he has worked side by side with Kisch Excavating and with his brother at T&C Machine.
Dennis was a talented, caring, innovative person who used his talents to assist his family, friends, church and community. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Charles City and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Dennis’ final act of giving is evidenced by the gift of bone and tissue donation.
He is survived by his mother, Esther Knecht of Charles City; his siblings, Irvin Knecht of Orchard; Brian Knecht of Centerville; Mary (Paul) Hurley of Greeley, Colorado; Diane (Mike) Lavenz of Cedar Falls; David (Tami) Knecht of Charles City; Daniel (Bette) Knecht of Ionia; Mark (and special friend, Kathleen Tlusty) of Nashua; Steven (Julia) Knecht of Charles City; Jean (Bruce) Oudekerk of New Hampton; Theresa (Ron) Stewart of Floyd; Catherine (Russel) Groesbeck of Charles City; Charles (Teresa) Knecht of Charles City; Francis (Steph) Knecht of Tripoli; 36 nieces and nephews; and 27 great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Knecht, and by his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral arrangements are being made through Fullerton Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm Tuesday at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City. A scripture service will be held at 7:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary Tuesday evening.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21st at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City, Iowa. Officiating will be the Rev. Father Carl Ries with Sister Diana Blong conduction the scripture service. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that you make a donation in Dennis’ name to Immaculate Conception School, Immaculate Conception Church or the Knights of Columbus.
Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa 50616, 641-228-4211 www.Fullertonfh.com Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome
