Dennis Kinnett died Thursday following a bout with cancer. Rullman Hunger  Funeral Home

(Aurora, Ind.) – Less than a year after being diagnosed, former City of Aurora Clerk-Treasurer Dennis Kinnett lost his battle with cancer.

Kinnett, 56, died Thursday at his home in Aurora surrounded by family.

Kinnett was elected to a four year term as Aurora’s Clerk-Treasurer in 2006, resigning in late 2010 after doctors found the disease.

Known as “Gunny” to friends and family, Kinnett took pride in managing the city’s finances. During his three years in office, Kinnett oversaw computer modernization of Aurora Utilities and helped the city find money to purchase a new fire truck.

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The former 20-year Marine was an insurance agent in Aurora before taking public office.

South Dearborn High School math teacher and wrestling coach Brad Fentress was chosen by a Republican caucus to finish out Kinnett’s term, which expires at the end of 2011.

Kinnett is survived by his wife, Leslie Ann Kinnett; son Dennis Kinnett II; daughter Tonya Kinnett; step-daughter Nicole Allen; step-son Tommy Allen; mother Mary Lou Carf; and other family.

Friends and family will be received at Kinnett’s visitation Monday, Jan. 31 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Rullman Hunger Funeral Home in Aurora. A second visitation will precede the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Milan.

The family asks that donations be made to the Aurora Life Squad or the 40 et 8 Nursing Scholarship Fund.