Dennis F. Kinney, 92, formerly of Green Bay, passed away at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King on Thursday, February 22, 2024. He was born May 12, 1931, to Daniel and Gladys (Denis) Kinney. After graduating from St. Philip Catholic Grade School and Central Catholic High School, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the 101st. Airborne Division from 1948 to 1952, and in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1969, retiring in 1969 as a Staff Sgt. He served honorably in both the Korean War and Vietnam War. He had been stationed in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa throughout his deployments. Dennis was proud to have chauffeured President Eisenhower and many generals and dignitaries during his time of service. He proudly retired from the military after 21 years of service to his country. He then joined GTE in Chicago until his father’s death in 1982, when he decided to retire and care for his mother in Green Bay.
Dennis remained passionate about Veterans’ causes and was a member of 44 Veteran and Non-Profit Organizations. He was most proud of his service to the Disabled American Veterans. He would volunteer his time to drive veterans to their medical appointments. He felt strongly about helping them get the medical care that they needed and deserved. Another great organization for him was Rolling Thunder Wisconsin Chapter 3, which brings recognition to the POW/MIAs of all past and present wars and supports all veterans and their families. They made regular visits to Denny and donated to the Activity Fund for King. He loved their visits with all the parade motorcycles.
Denny was very proud of his Irish heritage, a Packer stock holder, an honorary member and supporter of the UWGB Dance Team, an usher for St. Philip Parish and a member of the honor guard for veterans’ funerals. He was proud to serve in many organizations in the Green Bay area.
Denny spent the last eight years living in the Veterans Home at King. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at King and made many friends there with the residents and staff. He spent many hours doing puzzles, bowling, playing Bingo, card games and dice games. He also enjoyed carving and painting cars, Packer helmets and many other items. He never wanted to miss an activity.
The staff at King took excellent care of Denny. He enjoyed them and they enjoyed him. His family is very grateful to them for the care and love that he received there.
He is survived by a brother Calvin (Gerry) Kinney of New York and a sister, Kathi (John) Heezen, Green Bay; two godchildren, Paul (Bev) Murray and Angel (Dale) Charapata; numerous nieces and nephews that he so loved.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Colleen (Kenneth) Murray, Gloria (Gerald Jorgensen) (John Shea) Jorgensen-Shea and Ione (Jim McGrath) (Floyd Smith) McGrath-Smith; a brother Michael (Carlene) Kinney; nephews and a niece, Steve Kinney, Amanda Kinney, Joe Kinney, Mark McGrath and Patrick McGrath.
Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 2nd at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 312 Victoria St., Green Bay. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church. Full Military Honors will complete the services. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on the Proko-Wall facebook page. He will be laid to rest at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI. To honor Denny’s memory, please make a contribution to your favorite veterans organization. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
Jeane Smits is serving the family.