June 11, 1962— October 27, 2021
Danny DeKnikker, 59, of Faith passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Monument Health in Rapid City.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 6, 2021 at the Faith Community Center in Faith with Rev. Calvin Chapman officiating. Masonic Rites were given by Scott Reede.
Danny Lee DeKnikker was born on June 11, 1962, the fourth and youngest child of Art and Cleo DeKnikker of Faith. He 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. He held the position of diesel mechanic and spent time stationed in West Germany during his enlistment. He was 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 his 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 held 21 years later.
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. 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. 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. Danny was instrumental in planning the annual family camping/fishing trip in Pierre. It began in honor of his brother, Stuart, who 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.
Danny is survived by the love of his life for 36 years, Sharon Boldt of Faith; his mother, Cleo DeKnikker of Faith; children Lee (Shane) Dixon of Lemmon, Ann Boldt of Deadwood, Allan (Amanda) Young of Elko, NV, and Lacey (Robert) Wondercheck of Faith; four grandchildren, Dash and Della Dixon and Quirt and Rio Wondercheck; sister Susan (Jess) Carmichael of Bison; sister-in-law Barbara DeKnikker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded 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.