Honor Mission
COL Lenny J. Kness
US Army, Retired
Global War on Terrorism Veteran
Averill Park, NY - 07/19/2025
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of retired US Army Colonel Lenny J. Kness has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Colonel Kness died peacefully on Sunday, July 13th, 2025 at his home in Averill Park, NY, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 8th, 1965 in Clinton, Iowa, Colonel Kness enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1982 and served as a Tank Turret Mechanic. He graduated basic training as the Outstanding Soldier of the Cycle and earned an ROTC scholarship to attend college at Northeast Missouri State University. Following graduation, he 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.
In 2018, Colonel Kness retired from the Army and embarked on the journey that brought him the greatest joy— becoming a full-time father to his twin daughters while his wife, Col. Heather Kness, continued her military service.
Colonel Kness' full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
07/19/2025 at 09:45am
Staging Location:
St Henrys Church
39 Old Rte 66
Averill Park, NY 12018
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Martin Kaiser
Special Information:
Staging at the church with a flag line for the last hour of Visitation, 10:00 - 11:00 am. Church services are scheduled for 11:00 am, followed by dignified transfer and escort to
Sand Lake Union Cemetery, 4 Cemetery Ln, Averill Park, NY 12018, for interment with military honors.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 07/15; MER
