Obituary of Dennis J. Kerkman

Denny died peacefully on November 23, 2013. A farm boy from Wisconsin, Denny knew from the age of six that he wanted to fly. He got that opportunity by joining the ROTC while getting his BS in Aeronautical Engineering at St Louis University, followed by six years in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at RAF Woodbridge, England, Denny met his wife Nancy and then served in Vietnam as an F-100 instructor pilot, where he flew 231 combat missions. Later he held various aviation related positions while also serving as a pilot with the Air National Guard in New Jersey and Puerto Rico. Denny moved his family to Tucson in 1977 to work at the 162nd Tactical Fighter Group, eventually becoming the unit commander. He retired as Brigadier General and Commander of the Arizona ANG after 35 years of service in the US Air Force. Denny was an unassuming, hardworking man of integrity, with a great sense of humor and compassion for his fellow man. While he was an excellent pilot and respected leader, Denny was most of all a man who loved his family: his wife Nancy and sons Tim, (Maggie), Scott, Michael, (Kevin), and grandchildren Luke and Rina. He is also survived by his siblings Blanche, June and Mark of Twin Lakes, WI. Goodbye Denny, and thank you for your love and showing us how to both live and die with dignity, courage and patience. We had the very best when we had you. Our grateful thanks to our wonderful friends who continue with their love and support, the team at Kindred, the amazing care givers at Catalina Care Center, and the compassionate staff at Casa de la Luz. A celebration of Denny's life will be held Saturday December 7th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic church, 1800 Camino Pio Decimo. Donations in Denny's honor can be made to Catholic Relief Services, the ALS Association, or Casa Maria of Tucson.