Roeland Park, Kansas - Dennis Charles Rues, 81 (and a half) passed away on July 6, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Dennis was born on November 14, 1942 in the same Greeley, Kansas farmhouse where his mother had been born. His parents, Henry and Martina (Egidy) Rues, had deep roots in that rural community, but as Henry’s career evolved, they moved from the area, finally landing in Roeland Park, Kansas in 1956. 

His formal education began and ended in Catholic schools starting at St. John the Baptist School in Greeley. He graduated from Bishop Miege High School (1960), attended St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas, and later entered the seminary at Conception Abbey. Prior to taking his ordination vows, he made the decision to leave the seminary, and entered the U.S. Air Force to become a pilot. 

In some ways, he was forever a good-natured boy from Kansas, but his life reflected his desire to explore the world beyond his hometown. 

Always up for an adventure, Dennis loved flying and sailing. He served our country for 21 years as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew everything from fighter jets to massive refueling tankers and reconnaissance aircraft. His duty stations included: RAF Mildenhall (England), Grissom AFB (Indiana), Offutt AFB (Nebraska), Craig AFB (Alabama), and Barksdale AFB (Louisiana). 

After retirement from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, he flew for commercial airlines, and with his eye on his second retirement, he purchased a 42-foot sailboat he dubbed “Indulgence” with the intention of sailing to the Bahamas to relax and enjoy the sea. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and he landed instead in Islamorada, Florida where he served as a boat captain in the Sea Base High Adventure program through the Boy Scouts of America. 

At his heart, Dennis was also a (mostly) self-taught musician. His musical life began with the accordion in his late childhood, and evolved to include a love of acoustic guitar and classical piano. He would often sit down at the piano and just improvise. 

A lifelong learner with a thirst for a good documentary, Dennis embraced technology from the early days of internet message boards to using technology to enhance his musical interests. He spent hours tinkering with computers, would rather fix an item than buy a new one, and if he could do a job himself, he would. Dennis loved to work with his hands. Over the years, he loved to craft furniture for friends and family and was always available to lend a hand in any DIY project. 

A true dog lover, Dennis found immense joy in spending time with his dogs and until the end was motivated by the goal of being able to walk them again. 

In 2001, after the passing of his mother, he returned home to Kansas City and proudly took over the home his family built in 1956. He and his wife Betty joined St. Agnes Catholic Church and continued the Rues family commitment to the parish. 

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Surviving family includes his wife of 31 years, Betty; his daughter Kimberly Rues (Mark Sapp) and their children Eric (Nicole Vescovi) Bell and Jason Bell; his daughter Sharon Rues and her children Carter and Fletcher Pettid; his step-daughter Stacy Leal and her children Christian (Becca), Brandon (Katie), Anthony, Alyssa, and Victoria; his step-son Frank (Rachel) Molino and his children Sophie and Josie; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Allen (Pat) Rues and Gerald (Joni) Rues, sister Audry (Merle) Wise, and 11 nieces and nephews.  Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Martina (Egidy) Rues; his sister, Kathryn Rues-Boten; and his brother-in-law, John Boten.

Dennis was a man of unwavering integrity and kindness. He was known for his willingness to lend a helping hand and his ability to bring joy to those around him. He always had a story to share, often completed by the sharing of a photo from his phone. His infectious laughter and warm smile will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

His doctors constantly reminded him that he was an overachiever, and he took pride in participating in clinical trials through the University of Kansas Cancer Center. He knew he was contributing to the science that could positively impact outcomes for those with pancreatic cancer. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 11, 4-6 pm, at Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, Kansas. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and celebrating a life well-lived.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Roeland Park, Kansas July 12 at 10:00 am. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

For those who would like to honor him, please consider a donation to the University of Kansas Cancer Center.