Sep 10, 1998---Jan 09, 2022

      William was born September 10, 1998, in Merriam, KS to Steven C and Jennifer (Reitz) Dennis.  He went to Holy Trinity Grade and Middle School, a graduate of Rockhurst High School in 2017.  He formed lifelong friendships at both schools.  He especially loved the brotherhood he found at Rockhurst High School.  Immediately after high school, William attended the University of Kansas.  

      William was a free spirit.  He had a vivid imagination, an expansive vocabulary and was a great storyteller.  The English Department at the University of Kansas recognized his writing ability his freshman year of college.  His junior year of college he excelled pursuing a Nursing Degree at Saint Luke’s School of Nursing and then Covid hit and he began to struggle.  He had recently returned to the University of Kansas and found his passion pursuing a degree in Education to teach P.E., History, and Health.  

      William was interested in all things German.  He dreamed of going to Germany.  He loved reading and learning about history.  He was athletic and was skilled in many sports:  wrestling, skiing, baseball, soccer, basketball, football, swimming and cross country.  William was bright, thoughtful, good humored, and liked to laugh.  He loved animals, especially the family dogs, Titan and Clare and enjoyed time with his family.    

    William also had his private, personal struggles and sadly, he kept them to himself.  He was loved dearly.  He is survived by his parents, brothers Jonathan and Steven, maternal grandparents Ralph and Jean Reitz, paternal grandparents George and Shareld Dennis, uncle Randall Reitz and aunt Kelly Dennis.  

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the William Gregory Dennis Memorial Scholarship. Checks can be made payable to Holy Trinity School, 13600 W.92nd Street, Lenexa, Kansas 66215 or Venmo “@HTparish” (Include “William Dennis” in Venmo description).  A scholarship will be established to benefit young men from Holy Trinity who wish to attend Rockhurst High School. 

     A Vigil Service will be at 5:00 PM followed by a visitation from 5:15-7:00 PM Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Friday, January 14,  at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13615  W. 92nd Lenexa,  KS 66215.  Private family entombment in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.  



Condolences

Stephani Greytak Jan 11, 2022

Family friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

In reflecting over the many years I've known him, William was always a gentle, quiet and respectful young man. I enjoyed his enthusiasm for Germany, brief interest in the military, and a number of other things. He was intelligent, yet humble, and had a quick wit. In fact, when I think of William, it's his smiling face I recall, good humored even when having to spend his evening with the four adults. I know William is finding peace from any struggles he had, more in the arms of the Lord. Thank you, Jennifer and Steve, for sharing him with us as our lives are richer having known him. Love and prayers for all of you, Stephani Greytak

Erin Kary Jan 11, 2022

Friend ,Salina ,Kansas

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved William. May God bless your family.

Becky Allard Jan 11, 2022

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

So sorry Jennifer. Please know you have many people praying for you and your whole family.

Sheri Jan 11, 2022

Friend of Jennifer's ,Abilenr ,Kansas

Jennifer and family, my deepest and sincere sympathy on your loss. My prayers for peace and understanding for you all. Sheri Burt

Steve Kluck Jan 11, 2022

Family friend ,Olathe

It is so difficult to see such good people suffer so much pain. I have so much love and respect for your family Steve, Jen, Steven & Jonathan. I’m so sorry for your loss, I know how much you love your boys since that’s pretty much all we’ve ever talk about! I know God has wrapped his arms around William and will take care of him now. So many people are here for you now, including my family. We are always here for you. May God bless you all and help you find some peace.

Kathy Smith Jan 11, 2022

Friend ,LENEXA ,Kansas

Jennifer and family, My sincere condolences for all of you. I want you to know my prayers are with you. I wish I could take this all away! It hits home for sure! Life is is so hard these days for everyone! May our dear lord comfort all of you and I am sure William is shining down on all of us and we will learn from this.

Tommy Jackson Jan 12, 2022

Business and Friend of Steve Dennis ,Reno ,Nevada

Steve and Family, I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.... Tommy and Family

Carlotz Team Jan 12, 2022

Colleagues ,Richmond, VA ,Virginia

We are all so sorry to hear of your loss and are in our thoughts and prayers.

Donna Mazzoni Jan 12, 2022

Co-Worker ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Steve and Family, My parental heart hurts for you. I know with the support of your family and friends you will get through this. If you need to talk please reach out to me. I lost my Son Joel Dec 15th 2020. The first are the hardest but with faith and knowing he will always be with you!

Stuart and Kristina Moyer Jan 12, 2022

Friend and long-time colleagues ,San Antonio ,Texas

We send our deepest thoughts and prayers and are so very sorry for your loss. Sending much love right now!

Jill Maloney Jan 12, 2022

Steve was by boss at Cintas 20 years ago - friend now ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Steve and Jennifer, my heart is broken for you and the entire family. I'm so very sorry to hear this terrible news. I'm praying God wraps his loving arms around you all to help you with this. Sending love to you all.

Rick Schneider Jan 12, 2022

Friend ,Lake Forest ,Illinois

So sorry to hear of your loss Steve. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Jay and Edna Watson Jan 12, 2022

Friend ,Sanford ,Florida

Praying for all of you. Wish we were there to hug you all. Our condolences.

Tarsha Alexander Jan 12, 2022

Client ,Dallas ,Texas

To the Dennis Family, Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate through this difficult time. I wish you hope and healing when you're ready.

Dave & Trina Petrash Jan 12, 2022

Friend ,Tucson ,Arizona

Dear Steve & family, Our hearts break over the loss of William. May the peace of Christ wrap around you all and bring you comfort.

Chris and Christie Hill Jan 12, 2022

Steve and Jennifer - Our hearts are broken for you. We will be praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead. Love - Chris and Christie Hill

Yvonne Miranda Jan 12, 2022

Jennifer’s Friend ,Homestead ,Florida

Sending Jennifer and Family Prayers and hugs to comfort them during this difficult time. May William be welcomed in God’s arms and May he Rest In Peace🙏🏻

Jennifer Sears Jan 12, 2022

Teacher/friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed teaching, and learning from, William. You have all supported me in my struggles, and the whole family is in my prayers and thoughts. Please know you are wrapped in the Lord's arms.

Joe McGinn Jan 12, 2022

co-worker ,Greater Philadelphia ,Pennsylvania

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your entire family. God Bless, Greater Philadelphia Team

Ellen C Schleicher Jan 12, 2022

Former Teacher ,Ballwin ,Missouri

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, Jonathan and Steven, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son and brother. William was a wonderful young man and shared his light of Christ with me, his classmates and his friends. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed learning. I certainly enjoyed teaching him! Thank you for sharing William with me. He made a lasting impression and he will be missed. My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family as William rests in peace.

Vickie Lamb Jan 12, 2022

We are so very sorry to hear this news. We are praying that God will give you all the strength you need as you mourn your son. I wish I could have known him, he sounds like an amazing soul.

Scott Romero Jan 12, 2022

Family friend ,Memphis TN ,Tennessee

My heart is absolutely broken for your family. There are no words that can be said to help ease the pain of your broken heart. My family has you in our prayers. We love you!

Rian Watts Jan 12, 2022

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Steve and Jennifer, I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you....

Michael Waris Jan 12, 2022

Friend ,Lees summit ,Missouri

Will was truly a man for others. Reflecting on the times we spent together whether it was messing around in class, or wrestling practice Will was always a joy to be around. Will was a very talented and intelligent person. I am going to miss those moments we had in high school . I am going to miss you. My condolences to the Dennis family.

WILLIE RAMIREZ Jan 12, 2022

Coworker ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Steve, my sincerest condolences regarding your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers; God bless you with His love and peace.

Troy Wayman Jan 13, 2022

Friend ,Wichita ,Kansas

Our hearts are breaking just thinking of what you & your family are going through. Just know we will be here praying for your family. We will always be available if & when you need our support.

Knight-Swift Transportation Jan 13, 2022

Business Client ,Phoenix ,Arizona

Steve and Dennis Family, We are so sorry to learn of William's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May you find peace and comfort from those surrounding you and especially in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Sincerely, The Knight-Swift Facilities Team

Kristal Shanahan Jan 13, 2022

My deepest condolences to the Dennis family. Your family will be in my prayers.

Audra Dietz Jan 13, 2022

Friend and Sorority Sister ,Kansas City Area ,Kansas

Jennifer and Family, We so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son, William. I know you loved him fiercely and passionately. He will be greatly missed. Remember you are not alone, we all love you, (Room G), AXO, GZ.

Meg Sandefur Jan 13, 2022

Teacher ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I just wanted to send my most heart-felt sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember William as a wonderful young man, so respectful and kind. Many prayers are going out for William and the Dennis family.

Kristi Burritt Jan 13, 2022

HTS ,Olathe ,Kansas

Jennifer, our hearts are broken for your family. You are all close in our hearts and prayers.

Jeanine M Meiers Jan 14, 2022

I am praying for William and all of you. He sounds like a wonderful young man.

Joe and Betty Choplin Jan 14, 2022

Friends and work relationship ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Times like these words are insufficient for sharing your sorrow with close friends when they have encountered a loss such as yours. Please know that Betty and I are praying for you and your family to have continued faith and belief that God has a purpose for all of the challenges that he puts in our lives.

Tom & Sandy Grem Jan 14, 2022

Friend ,Towson ,Maryland

Steve and Jen. It is clearly difficult to process something like this. Please know that there are hundreds and hundreds of people thinking about your loss and praying for you to have the strength so you can - TOGETHER - carry on and cherish the good memories. You have been, and will continue to be, in our thoughts.

Marilyn Holmes Jan 19, 2022

family friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We enjoyed the times he was at our house. He and Adam had always had such fun together. You are all in our prayers.

Services

Event:
Vigil Service
Location:
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Address:
13615 West 92nd Street
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Jan 13, 2022
Time:
5:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Address:
13615 West 92nd Street
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
Jan 14, 2022
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map: