Danny DeKnikker, 1962-2021
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Nov 1, 2021 | 11:16 AM / 1022 views
Danny DeKnikker, age 59, of Faith, SD, passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Monument Health in Rapid City, SD.
Funeral services for Danny will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at the Faith Community Center in Faith, SD, with Rev. Calvin Chapman officiating. Masonic Rites will be given by Scott Reede. The funeral service will be livestreamed and a link will be made available at the top of Danny’s obituary on our website at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com. The livestream can be viewed by clicking “View the Funeral Service for Danny Here”.
Danny Lee DeKnikker was born on June 11, 1962, the fourth and youngest child of Art and Cleo DeKnikker of Faith, SD. Danny grew up in Faith and graduated from Faith High School in 1980. Following high school, he joined the National Guard and was a member of the 211th Engineering Company that was headquartered in Lemmon, SD. Danny held the position of Diesel Mechanic and spent time stationed in West Germany during his enlistment. He was currently a proud member of the Masonic Lodge #168 of Faith.
Danny had a variety of interests, vast skills, and knowledge. He spent his adulthood working for area ranchers, at Afdahl’s Hardware, and as a mail carrier. He and Sharon later started their own business, D & S Prairie Dog Control, which sent them traveling all over the region. They also hatched and raised pheasants to sell. In 2000, Danny began a job as a package delivery driver for United Parcel Service; the job he still held 21 years later. He was a highly regarded employee and UPS gave him the opportunity to see people from all over the community. Danny loved people. He always had a robust, “hey!” a big grin, and likely a smart remark to greet everyone he knew. He loved to tease and loved it even more when it was dished back. In addition to his humor, his generous spirit was another endearing quality. He was always willing to give of his time, talents, and tools to help anyone that needed it. He liked challenges and spent many hours tinkering on and fixing things. He so enjoyed when his dad, and later his son-in-law, was part of problem solving the newest project. Putting the boat in the water to do some fishing and honing his archery skills were two more favorite hobbies. His loyal buddies, Chief, Todd, and grand puppy Copper were never far from his side.
Danny’s family and friends meant the world to him. He made a point to plan adventures to get together. One memorable event centered around him renting an old Cadillac limousine. He was forever finding a “deal”. He invited all the “moms” in his life for the ride of a lifetime to Bob’s Steakhouse at Gettysburg, SD for a special Mother’s Day meal. Unfortunately, the limo wouldn’t start when they went to leave. Additionally, it was pouring rain and they all soon found out why the leaky limo was such a bargain! Many laughs were had, and more memories were made. Danny was instrumental in planning the annual family camping/fishing trip in Pierre, too. It began in honor of his brother, Stuart, who also passed away much too young. Each summer, Danny came with armloads of great food, homemade wine, and this year’s “new idea” that he was excited about. It was always a special week.
There are many examples of Danny’s big heart. He placed a lot of importance on doing what he loved with the people he loved the most. Our hearts ache with his absence, but we know he has a glorious, heavenly reunion with special loved ones that have gone before him. We will remember his compassion, loyalty, generosity, positive attitude, and his humor. He would want us to live each day with love and purpose, and to sprinkle in plenty of fun. He would also want us to let go of sadness and hold the good times close. Hug your family, give your dog a good scratch on the head, work for what you want, and go fishing every chance you get.
Danny is survived by the love of his life for 36 years, Sharon Boldt, Faith, SD; his mother, Cleo DeKnikker, Faith, SD; children, Lee (Shane) Dixon, Lemmon, SD; Ann Boldt, Deadwood, SD; Allan (Amanda) Young, Elko, NV, and Lacey (Robert) Wondercheck, Faith, SD; four grandchildren, Dash and Della Dixon and Quirt and Rio Wondercheck; sister, Susan (Jess) Carmichael, Bison, SD; sister-in-law, Barbara DeKnikker and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his father, Arthur DeKnikker; brother, Stuart DeKnikker, Sister, Debora Wicks, maternal grandparents, Leo and Irna Collins; and paternal grandparents, Adrian and Dorothy DeKnikker.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Faith Area Memorial Chapel in Faith, SD.