A Funeral Service for Dennis Kintzi, age 81, of Milford, was held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford. Interment was at Milford Cemetery.
Dennis Richard Kintzi, the son of Richard and Anna (Nelson) Kintzi, was born on June 6, 1944, in St. James, Minnesota. He graduated from high school and went on to attend Mankato State University. Dennis moved to Milford, Iowa, around 1968 and had made his home there ever since. He passed away on December 7, 2025.
Dennis enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1962, where he earned the rank of Spec. 4. He was a devoted member of Grace Communion Fellowship Church for 40 years.
A gifted and lifelong musician, Dennis played with numerous groups over the years, including The Chevelles, Dee Jay & The Runaways, and the Bill Terry and Denny Kintzi Duo. In 1966, the hit song “Peter Rabbit” charted for 14 weeks. He toured throughout the United States and Canada, performing at local venues such as The Roof Garden and The Cobblestone, and appearing on Dick Clark’s Where the Action Is, Upbeat, and many other television shows.
Dennis was also co-owner and sound engineer for the Iowa Great Lakes Recording Co. from 1966–1979. In 1978, he co-wrote the fight song for the University of Okoboji. His contributions to music were recognized through multiple inductions into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Hall of Fame—first in 1997 with Dee Jay & The Runaways, again in 1999 as co-owner of the Iowa Great Lakes Recording Co., and in 2012 with The Chevelles. He was also honored with inductions into both the South Dakota and Minnesota Rock ‘n’ Roll Halls of Fame.
Dennis continued to write and perform music throughout his adult life and deeply cherished the friendships he formed with fellow musicians.
In addition to his musical career, Dennis enjoyed a 30-year career with Stylecraft as a CNC Programmer. He was active in his church and enjoyed traveling, gardening, biking, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Allison (Jeff) Emery; grandchildren, Victoria (Wyatt) Keegan and Mitchell Emery; sister, Jayne (David) Lange; nephew, Jason (Jang) Lange and their daughter, JoJo; longtime companion, Becky Hitchcock; Becky’s daughters, Crystal (Chuck) Fales and granddaughters, Railee White and Quinn Fales; and Patricia Rohmiller; as well as a host of friends and extended family.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Anna Kintzi.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
