Dennis “Wimpi” Knieriem

Dennis “Wimpi” Knieriem, 58, of Humboldt, passed away October 3, 2011 at his home in Humboldt.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt with the Rev. Josh Swaim officiating.   Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Humboldt.  Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. today at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt.

Dennis Allen Knieriem, the son of Donald and Mary (Olson) Knieriem, was born November 2, 1952 at Fort Dodge.  He was raised and educated at Humboldt and graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1971.  Following his education, Denny was employed briefly by Chantland's before going to work for Ram Industries for 12 years.  From 1983 until 1995, Denny was employed by the City of Humboldt.  In 1976, Dennis was married to Linda Burns and to this union one daughter, Amy, was born.  The marriage was later dissolved and Denny took great pride in raising his daughter.  In 1995, Wimpi went to work for MS and Sons where he served as a truck mechanic until the time of his death.

Wimpi enjoyed auto racing especially NASCAR where he was a fan of Dale Earnhardt, Sr..  He also enjoyed his service in the pit crew for Rob Hughes’ race team on Friday and Saturday nights in Algona and Britt.

For several years, Wimpi was the Monster Arm Wrestling State Champion and in 1981 took 3rd place in the national competition.  Following several years off he returned to the sport to again become the state champion the last two years.  He was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings an in past years, enjoyed golf and fishing and recently took up coyote hunting and riding his Harley Davidson.

Denny is survived by his daughter, Amy Knieriem of Fort Dodge; sisters, Gayle (Dennis) Swanson of Fort Dodge and Dee (Lance)Tinken of Humboldt; and nephews, Aaron Swanson and David Swanson both of Fort Dodge, Tyler Tinken of Humboldt, and Todd Tinken of Guthrie Center.  He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Patrick Swanson.