Arthur Dennis Koleber's Obituary
Arthur Dennis Koleber Obituary
February 25, 1947 – September 26, 2021
Dennis Koleber, 74, went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, September 26, 2021. Arthur Dennis Koleber was born in San Bernardino, CA on February 25, 1947, to Arthur Julius and Patricia Ann Koleber.
Soon after his birth, his parents moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Dennis grew up. He was attending Wichita State University in 1971 when he received his draft notice during the Vietnam War. He joined the Air Force and did a 13 month tour of duty in Korea.
Afterwards, he was transferred to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. While there, he discovered he had a gift for teaching and a talent for dancing. During the evenings he taught professional ballroom dancing with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. It was there that he met a student who would become his future wife and lifelong partner - his “Chrissy”. One year later, on July 5th, 1975, they were married. In 1976, while stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, TX, they welcomed their first child - their son, Jason… and in 1978 came their beautiful daughter, Kelly.
In 1978 Dennis was transferred to Ft. Huachuca, AZ. While there, he completed his college education and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Arizona. Dennis’ love for the Lord led him to leave the Air Force in 1980 to pastor a small church in Arizona for several years, after which, he and the family moved to Plano, TX in 1985.
Dennis always had an “entrepreneurial” spirit and dreamed of being “self-employed”. His lifelong hobby of building models — mostly race cars — led him to become a 14 time world champion master model builder with multiple “Best in Shows”. His reputation and artistry led to invitations for exhibits at multiple vintage car races around the country where he met, interviewed, and befriended some of history’s greatest drivers and owners. This passion led to a successful profession that continued his whole life.
Dennis never met a stranger, and he touched the lives of all who met him with positivity and joy. His love for Jesus is carried on by his family. Dennis is survived by his wife, Chris; his son, Jason; and his daughter, Kelly.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Arthur Dennis Koleber have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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