Dennis Knepper

1955 - 2024

SPENCERVILLE -- Dennis B. Knepper, 65, of Spencerville, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

Dennis was born on October 19, 1955 in Lima to the late Clyde Ervin and Gillea Lavora (Huff) Knepper. He graduated from Spencerville High School in 1974 and after graduation he enlisted in the United States Airforce. After being discharged from the military, he began working at the Tank Plant in Lima, then began independent trucking before started his own business with his wife, Karen. Dennis and Karen Kemper were united in marriage on October 20, 1989.

Dennis had an enthusiastic spirit, and enjoyed sharing the things he loved with the people he loved. He played guitar and banjo with the Coon Creek Band, and got a kick out of playing for his friends at the Spencerville American Legion and VFW. He was also proud to participate in the Spencerville VFW Color Guard. His sense of adventure inspired a love of travel and the outdoors in his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips, golfing, and taught his grandchildren to shoot bow and arrows, and make homemade ice cream. Football Sundays would find Dennis at home or the stadium, cheering on the Cleveland Browns in the company of his loved ones. Dennis will always be remembered for his essential role as "the birthday song guy" for so many of us as we took a new lap around the sun.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen; six children, David Paul (Melissa) Knepper, Carissa Fawn Reinicke, Joseph Austin Knepper, Tara Lynette (Niall) Linehan, and Deena Marie (Donald) Rice; seven grandchildren, Samantha Knepper, Katelyn Knepper, Jesse Farley, Indeliza Reinicke, Karlina Reinicke, Hailey Acheson, and Isla Linehan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Nathan Kam Knepper; and three siblings, Ray Knepper, Donna Ball, and Ronald Knepper.

There will be a visitation from 2:00-6:00 p.m. followed by his funeral service at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Pastor Andrew J. Atkins officiating and military honors by local Spencerville veterans. Private family burial will be held at a later date at Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Oakwood, OH. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Dennis and his family.