I just learned of Dennis' too-soon passing.  I remember him from high school as always being such a kind-hearted invidual.  Watching his slide show, I see that he carried those values with him his whole life.  
Your were a good man, Dennis, and the world will miss you greatly.  Our sincerest condolences to the family.

My sympathy to all of the Mahnke family.  You can tell from the photos Dennis was loved and lived life.  I went to school with Denise at Glendale High and also knew Dean.  May you find peace in knowing he is with the Lord.

To the Mahnke Family,

Even though we hadn't been in touch in many years, we thought of both Judy and Dennis often.  We will always remember Dennis as a good and loving family man with the best heart.


Judy, we know this is a very hard time for you and your family. Cherish the memories and accomplishments that you and Dennis created together.

To the Mahnke Family,

My family were neighbors down the street on Oregon.The Gessner's,  6 kids. I was saddened to read of Dennis's death...so early Only 60! I dated Dean in High School & the Mahnke family took me in to stay during a time my own family had trouble.

I remember Dennis very well & the Duplex in Tempe. Dennis was a role model...always planning ahead...you 2 need to leave & go home.

Judy, I know this is not easy for you...I was widowed in 2007. Take care of your self. Be brave.

I am a friend of Dennis's sister, Denise.  Denise would share with me so many nice memories about Dennis that I feel as though I knew him.  Dennis was a very giving person and was always helping others.  He helped run the family business and Dennis definitely was a very bright person.  During this last battle with illness he was also very brave.  I am sorry his time was cut short.  His memories will live on through his fine family and friends.

I was part of the team that performed several surgeries on Dennis at the beginning of his illness.  He was always so positive in his responses and feelings even in the face of fighting a very rare disease.

I am truly sorry to read of his passing.  He is one of those few patients that I remember so well during my 30 years of surgical practice as he left a lasting impression on me.

I met Dennis when I was allowed to start building budgets for a $4 million dollar project and probably had $110 in my collective checking and savings accounts. But I was very smart at the time and had been building budgets for almost two years! Dennis would never tell me what to do but he'd quietly peek over my shoulder in my cubicle and ask if I had thought of all of the things needed to build this project cost & schedule.

Of course I had but I let him give me a couple of ideas. After the first 3 or 4 he suggested - he then left and sent me a list he had created over the years in an Excel spreadsheet and mentioned that as I discovered things about projects, I could add them. As I went through his list I realized inspections would cost me time and money; hidden issues such as asphalt thicker than 2 inches or water lines may not be quite as deep as they are supposed to be. One particular contractor - that anyone who knows what projects I was working on remembers without his name being mentioned - was another warning and suggestion to be tied down on his pricing and watch out for as "The change orders will be coming!!" was yet another suggestion. 

At the time I took all of this and built some pretty good budgets and in retrospect I'm not sure if I ever thanked Dennis - I guess I just figured it was his job. Over time he gave me dozens of these lists for different aspects of jobs that as a general contractor are still on my computer today.

I do remember him calling me in his office one day after I sent him a list I updated after a few jobs were under my belt. I thought I was in trouble. I was a little cocky though and he wasn't my boss - so how could I be in trouble with him? He was actually pretty excited to ask me about a couple of the items I had added to be sure he understood them to keep on his list. I certainly didn't say anything about it but it was a hell of a compliment. 

Hard to believe but that was 20 years ago. What he taught me was - that no matter how good you are you can always get a little better - and then he'd take some time to show me how to do it! My dad always quoted "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Thanks Dennis for being a Teacher & Friend!!

Charlie

I can only hope that you are able to embrace the great memories of the life you have share with Dennis. I will think of him every day as he was a great brother to me. I know mom cherished every momemt she had with him. He was the "perfect first child and set the bar high for the rest of us". The best oldest brother I could have wanted.He steppped into care for our parents while the rest of us focused on our families and own life's. I have wonderful memories of his life starting with the boys delivering donuts and newspapers, Little League baseball games, Pop Warner football. Answering my cries during the night when no others heard them. He studied and working till all hours in the garage on architecture projects. Beatles records from Arlene,the blue camaro. The special bond he and Duane had as they had to share a room growing up and even the duplex in Tempe. Mom talked about the wedding in the house on Oregon long after it was over. Teaching Jamie all the names of tractors and equipment on the job in Vegas and Yuma. He could set Jamie hair in pink sponge curlers-just like our mother and Arlene would have done it. Him driving Jacob to deliver papers in the rain in true Mahnke fashion.My kids and I have very special memories of the times we shares with your family. He never expressed a harsh thought of others or complained when he had every right to. He always looked for the life lesson and forged forward. We all truly miss him. I can only hope that in sharing these thoughts, you are able to celebrate his life with us. Find comfort in knowing he loved all of you very much and cherished each of the grandchildren. Thank all of you for letting us share this very difficult time with you. I will never forget my life with Dennis. Love Debra and family.

OBITUARY

Dennis L. Mahnke

13 November, 1950 – 15 May, 2011

Shadow Mountain Mortuary

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