Dennis Kniss Obituary

Dennis Kniss

June 27, 1945 - July 31, 2025

Dennis Eugene Kniss, 80, of Bayard, Nebraska, a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and avid outdoorsman, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and an abundance of love at Box Butte General Hospital. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and joy that touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born in Scottsbluff on June 27, 1945, to Adam and Evelyn (Reiber) Kniss, Dennis spent his life in Bayard. He graduated from Bayard High School in 1963 and attended Doane College in 1964 before joining the Nebraska Army National Guard in 1965. On September 7, 1969, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Billie (Yekel), beginning a lifelong love story built on devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Dennis worked alongside his father farming south of Bayard before becoming an auctioneer and eventually working for Simplot until he became disabled. He was a member of the Faith United Church of Christ in Bayard.

Dennis had a deep passion for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies-they were traditions he cherished and passed down with pride. Whether it was tracking deer or pheasants in the early morning quiet or casting a line into a still lake at dusk, Dennis found peace and purpose in nature. Time spent in the woods or on the water was sacred to him, and he treasured sharing those experiences with family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Dennis was also an avid Husker fan and never missed a game! He had a playful heart and a sweet tooth to match. He delighted in playing games with his grandchildren and sharing his love of fishing. And no visit with "Papa" was complete without a trip to the candy stash.

Above all, Dennis was a family man. He was the steady rock-always present, always encouraging. He never missed his children's sporting events, proudly led their Cub Scout Troops, and made sure his family knew how deeply they were loved. To his children, he was a guide and protector. To his wife, a best friend, and true partner. To his friends, he was the kind of man who showed up, no matter what. Nothing filled him with more pride than his children and grandchildren.

Dennis lived fully and loved deeply. His spirit will carry on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will live in the kindness he showed, the hands he helped, and the lives he touched. Dennis will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billie, sons Brett (Jennifer) Kniss, Cheyenne, WY, Brad (Rachel) Kniss, of Granite Canon, WY, and daughter Brittney (Trabor) Bauer of Alliance, NE. Dennis was loved beyond measure by his grandchildren: Noah Bauer, Samantha and Graisen Kniss, and Garrett and Seth Ripka, and several granddogs. He is also survived by his brother Steve (Betty) Kniss and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

The family is eternally grateful to the UC Health LVAD team for their amazing care of Dennis for the past 13 years.

The family would also like to thank the team at the Box Butte General Hospital patient care unit for their compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held in December 2025 at Faith United Church of Christ. The family requests that everyone wear their Husker gear. Date and time of the celebration will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to support at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in memory of Dennis Kniss (please include on memo line) to: University of Colorado Foundation, PO Box 17126, Denver, CO 80217. Gifts may also be made online at Giving.CU.EDU/Dkniss. Gifts may also be made to Faith United Church of Christ in Dennis's name.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Bates-Gould Funeral Home

Alliance, Nebraska