Benedict Vincent Kientzy

March 21, 1926 - February 18, 2017

Benedict Vincent Kientzy of Silex, MO passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017, at the age of 90. Dick was born March 21, 1926. Dick was one of seven children born to George Martin Kientzy and Clara Miller Kientzy of rural Millwood. He married Viola Minnie Burkemper, daughter of John Diederich Burkemper and Mary Anna Dreisewerd Burkemper, on October 5, 1949 at Immaculate Conception Church, Old Monroe, Missouri. They are the loving parents of Steve, Barb, and Rick. Survivors include: his wife, Viola; three children, Stephen George Kientzy (Janie), Barbara Jean Haines (Rex), and Richard John Kientzy (Donna); seven grandchildren: Stephen Haines Kientzy (Teresa), Gina Bethsheba Harris (Caleb), Benton John Haines (Jessica), Michael Kientzy Haines, Margaret Ann Kientzy, Henry Richard Kientzy, and Kathryn Ruth Kientzy; five great- grandchildren, Andrew Stephen Kientzy, Natalie Grace Kientzy, Rylan Jane Harris, Kasen Dean Harris, and William Benton Haines. Dick’s surviving siblings are Geneva Bowles of Springfield and Marie Kunza of Troy. Dick is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Lenk and Alvera Roettger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and George Kientzy, and four siblings: George B. Kientzy, who was better known as Brother Pius Kientzy, Edward DeSales Kientzy, Angela Margaret Phelan, and Catherine Virginia Gieselman. Dick devoted himself to being a hard worker and wonderful family man. Life was always busy, and he was always grateful to be with his family and their life on the farm. He was a member of the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and a member of the Millwood Knights of Columbus. Dick was a wonderful husband, father, relative, friend, and neighbor to all who knew him. Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Kientzy, Benton Haines, Michael Haines, Hank Kientzy, Drew Kientzy, and Caleb Harris. Honorary pallbearers will be Gina Harris, Teresa Kientzy, Maggie Kientzy, Kate Kientzy, Natalie Kientzy, Jessica Haines, and Emily Scott. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 23 at the Millwood K of C Hall. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 24 at St. Alphonsus Church in Millwood. Rev. Father Charles Tichacek will be officiating. Music will be provided by Debbie Mudd, Carolyn Kunza McHardy, Marge Kunza Schwendemann, Chris Kunza Mennemeyer, and Kelly Hardcastle. Burial is in the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Bibb –Veach Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Alphonsus PTA Bus/School Improvement Fund or to the donor’s choice.