Colonel Lenny J. Kness

Averill Park-Colonel Lenny J. Kness died peacefully on Sunday, July 13th, 2025 at his home in Averill Park, NY, surrounded by his loving wife Heather and family. Lenny faced his final months with the same quiet strength, grace, and wisdom that defined his character throughout his life.

Born on June 8th, 1965 in Clinton, Iowa to Leslie J. Fagen (Dittmar) and Larry L. Kness, Lenny demonstrated exceptional intelligence from an early age. As a child in Iowa, he could identify every make and model of car on the road by age two, beginning a lifelong passion for automobiles that he shared with his father. His brilliance extended far beyond cars—by his freshman year of high school in a small Illinois town, he was already taking calculus and solving advanced mathematical problems that challenged even his college-educated teachers.

Lenny enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1982 as a Tank Turret Mechanic and was especially proud of graduating Basic Training as the Outstanding Soldier of the Cycle. He earned an ROTC scholarship to attend college at Northeast Missouri State University and, following graduation, embarked on a distinguished 30-year military career with the United States Army. His service included leadership roles as a Company Commander, Battalion Commander, Brigade Commander, and Chief of Staff. He served with the Army I Corps, XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, US Army Special Operations Command, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Headquarters Department of the Army, US Pacific Command, and US Army Human Resources Command. Lenny earned his Master of Science in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University and later obtained a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy and Policy from the National Defense University.

In 2018, Lenny retired from the Army and embarked on the journey that brought him the greatest joy— becoming a full-time father to his twin daughters, Lily Anne and Ivy Jo, while his wife, Col. Heather Kness, continued her military service. Those who visited the family at Fort Knox witnessed Lenny's dedication to their girls, watching him embrace fatherhood with the same excellence he had brought to his military career. Since Heather's retirement in 2022 the family moved back to Heather's hometown of Averill Park, NY, where they have lived a life surrounded by family and nature.

Lenny's passions extended well beyond his professional and family life. He was an avid collector of classic cars, with a particular love for muscle cars from the era that had captivated him as a child. His collection included a meticulously restored 1961 Morris Minor and an immaculate 1970 Dodge Challenger “Pink Panther” - a tribute to his daughters. He also maintained an extensive slot car collection going back to his childhood. These hobbies connected him to his father and provided countless hours of enjoyment and conversation with friends and family. Lenny also enjoyed Harley rides on cool fall days, visiting car swap meets, and savoring good IPAs and bourbon.

Above all, Lenny was a devoted family man who treasured quiet moments holding hands with Heather, reading bedtime stories to his girls, and rocking them to sleep. He delighted in pumpkin patch and apple orchard outings, watching Hallmark Christmas movies and Disney films, and creating joyful memories filled with laughter and love. His life was beautifully full of adventure, good food, and the people he loved unconditionally.

Lenny is survived by his beloved wife, Colonel Heather Kness, U.S. Army, Retired (nee Ryan), and their twin daughters, Lily and Ivy; his father, Larry L. Kness, and stepmother, Rose Kness; his mother, Leslie J. Fagen (Dittmar); his brother, Larry D. Kness, and sister-in-law, Lori Kness; his parents-in-law, Philip and Pamela Ryan; sisters-in-law Erynn Petersen (Eric Picard), Courtney Williams, Sarah Hansen (David), and Melissa Valente (Matthew); brothers-in-law Philip Ryan (Stefanie), Brendan Ryan (Megan), Garrison Ryan (Rolyn), and Kevin Ryan (Julia); uncle Danny R. Kness; aunt Beth Dittmar; aunt Lori Troester (Larry); and many cousins, including his longtime childhood friend and cousin, Scott Kness. Lenny is also survived by more than 30 nieces and nephews from the Ryan and Kness families who brought him immense joy.

He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Alison Ryan; his paternal grandparents, Danny B. and Vevah G. Kness; his maternal grandparents, Harry and Marilyn Dittmar; his aunt Janice Kness; and his uncles Richard D. Kness and Ward Dittmar.

The family will receive guests at a reception in Lenny’s honor on Friday, July 18th, 2025 from 5-8pm at the Averill Park firehouse 35 Eastern Union Turnpike Averill Park, NY.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at St. Henry’s Church 39 Old Rte 66, Averill Park, NY on Saturday, July 19th, 2025 from 9-11 am. A Funeral Mass at St. Henry’s and interment with Military Honors at the Sand Lake Union Cemetery will follow. Arrangements are made by Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel. Lenny’s family requests that guests wear patriotic colors to his services in honor of his legacy of service to our nation.

Lenny’s family suggests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Friends of the Miller Hill Playground at https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/in-memory-of-lenny-kness. Lily and Ivy are students at Miller Hill / Sand Lake Elementary School.

Lenny's legacy lives on in the lives he touched—from the soldiers he led with distinction to the family he loved with his whole heart. His quiet strength, brilliant mind, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

Visit www.perrykomdat.com for directions and a guestbook.