He was born on May 27, 1952 in Lawrence, Kansas to Ronald and Bonnie Gomel Keener. Dennis attended many different schools growing up due to moving frequently for his father’s work. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Shawnee, Kansas. Dennis had several jobs before moving to Wyoming to work in the oil fields. He then went to work for what is now Williams Gas & Pipeline where he has worked for the last 30 years. He transferred to the Hermiston area and then in 1998 settled in Paterson, Wash., where he has lived since. Dennis was united in marriage to Lori Wiersma on Oct. 3, 2003 in Bend. Dennis was an active member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston. Dennis’s faith and love for his church and family were his top priorities. He cared deeply for his fellow co-workers. Dennis enjoyed playing golf, jumping in the car and going on a trip, and simply sitting on the porch and looking at the river and watching the sunset.
He is survived by his wife: Lori Keener, Paterson, WA; mom: Bonnie Keener, Marysville, WA; children: Jennifer Keener, Big Piney, WY, Fletcher Keener, Vernal, UT, Michelle Cody, Redmond, OR, Scott Willis & wife Wendy, Battleground, WA, Stew Willis & wife Amanda, Kalispell, MT; step sons: Clint & Curtis; brothers: Dave Keener & wife Stephanie, New Mexico, Jim Keener & wife Tracy, Colorado; sister: Norene Laggart & husband John, Washington; grandchildren: Donovan, Brittany, Drew, Zach, Walker, Wade, Levi, & Sarah; great grandchildren: Lucy & Oliver.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father, and brothers: Johnny & Russ Keener.
Recitation of the rosary will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Hermiston, Oregon.
Private family burial will be held at the Paterson Cemetery, Paterson, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dennis’s memory to www.mpnresearchfoundation.org
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
