Dennis M. Kania

Mr. Dennis M. Kania of Nashville departed this life at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11:13 PM. He had attained the age of 69 years, 4 months and 6 days.

Dennis was born on May 2, 1949 in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Marion and Arlene (Lamczyk) Kania.

Dennis started his career as a teacher and coach at Oakdale Grade School in Oakdale. He then went on to work at Arch Captain Mine in Percy, for 22 years. He finished his career at Pinckneyville District 204 as a special education teacher retiring in 2011. After retirement he went into business with his brother, KK, as co-owners of 2 Brothers Antiques in Nashville.

He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Nashville.

Dennis was active with youth sports, coaching pony league and at St. Ann Catholic School, most recently mentoring a youth golf program this summer at Nashville Municipal Golf Course. He served as golf coach and freshman girl’s basketball coach at Pinckneyville High School. Dennis was founder of MEGS (Metro East Golf Singles) in Belleville. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, planting flowers and dancing. He loved collecting antiques and attending auctions, looking for treasures with his brother and best friend KK. Mostly he enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. He loved watching his grandkids sporting events, taking them golfing, fishing and having them help him in the garden. He loved to head north to visit his grandkids in Chicago or take in a U of I football or basketball game.

Left to mourn his passing are his four children, Derek Kania and wife Ashley of Chicago, Deitt Goforth and husband Jason of Nashville, DeAnn Kania and friend Dan of Nashville and Shannon Kania and friend Ryan of Chicago; five grandchildren, Jaxon and Ryann Goforth, Brynn Stiegman and Hunter and Hayden Kania; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother and best friend, Kenny Kania.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in the St. Ann Catholic Church in Nashville, on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 10 AM with Fr. Andy Knopik officiating with interment to follow.

Friends may call at the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville, on Thursday from 5 PM until 8 PM and on Friday from 7:30 AM until 9:30 AM.

Should friend’s desire, mass offerings or memorials may be made to the NCHS Sports Boosters or to the St. Ann Catholic Church and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com.

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