Dennis Wacknov

1947 - 2025

Dennis Wacknov

April 19, 1947 - May 11, 2025

Lenexa, Kansas - Much loved husband, son, dad, Papa and original Chiefs fan since 1963, Dennis Eugene Wacknov passed away on Sunday, May 11th from heart failure. He was 78 years old.

A lifelong bon vivant, Dennis was known among friends and family for his storytelling and generous hospitality, whether it be a lavish gourmet meal, cocktails at the country club, a neighborhood driveway gathering or rambunctious tailgates in G29 that boosted many spirits during the 1990s and 2000s.

After graduating from Shawnee Mission East High School (and painting the water tower to proclaim Class of 1965 graduation far and wide), Dennis spent one glorious semester at University of Oklahoma before proudly serving as a sergeant in the Air Force for four years, from which he was honorably discharged. Once home, he used his charm and persuasion to the utmost as a salesman at Miller Pontiac until 1981 when he accepted a position at family business American Textile Mills/Nu Towel Company. As president of the company, Dennis carried on the family legacy both locally and internationally as a board member of the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association before retiring in 2016.

Dennis was preceded in death by Stefani Wacknov. He is survived by his beloved wife Larue; children Stacey, Jason and Corey; and grandsons Jonah Gross and Andy Callies.

Funeral services will be held at Louis Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 16th at 12noon, 6830 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. A celebratory open house – in full Dennis style – will be held at the Wacknov home in Lenexa starting at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ALS Association at als.org/donate

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel.com (Arrangements entrusted to The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211).