Midwest Food Bank mourns the passing of Dennis “Denny” Mott, co-founder of Midwest Food Bank East Africa and a man whose faith and willingness to serve helped shape a ministry that has provided more than 83 million meals.
Denny passed away on September 5, 2026, at his home in Morton, Illinois, at the age of 74.
His journey to East Africa began somewhat unexpectedly. Denny was initially hesitant to travel to Africa. But after making that first trip, something changed. He would eventually return more than 28 times, developing a deep love for the children, families, and ministry team serving there.
A Voice for the People of East Africa
Denny didn’t keep what he witnessed to himself.
He told others about the work happening in East Africa and about the reality that many people were hungry. His willingness to share those stories helped others understand the need and encouraged people to support the ministry.
Over time, the work grew.
Today, Kapu Africa continues the ministry Denny helped establish, providing food to children and families across East Africa. More than 83 million meals have now been distributed to nonprofit partners and disaster relief efforts.
But numbers tell only part of Denny’s story.
The East Africa team remembers someone who cared deeply about them as individuals. He wanted to know how they were doing, how he could help, and how he could advocate for both the team and their work.
Christine, a member of the East Africa team, remembers advice from Denny that has stayed with her: to approach each task as though she were the only person who cared about getting it done.
That personal investment was part of who Denny was.
He cared about his family. He cared about his team. And he cared deeply about the children and people of Africa.
A Legacy That Continues
Before his work in East Africa, Denny spent 35 years with Caterpillar after graduating from the University of Illinois. In retirement, he stepped outside of his comfort zone and followed a call to serve far from home, beginning a new chapter that would profoundly impact the lives of others.
What began with hesitation became more than 28 trips across the Atlantic and years of relationships, advocacy, and service.
The impact continues every time a meal reaches a child or family. It continues through the East Africa team Denny encouraged and supported. And it continues through the people who learned about hunger in East Africa because Denny was willing to tell their story.
For those who served alongside him, the words of 2 Timothy 4:7 offer a fitting reflection on his life:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Midwest Food Bank is grateful for Denny’s faithful service and the lasting role he played in establishing Midwest Food Bank East Africa.
Our prayers are with his wife, Beth, his family, and the many friends and ministry partners in the United States and East Africa who knew and loved him.
As his East Africa family shared in remembering him:
“Fare thee well. Till we meet again.”
Make a Gift to Midwest Food Bank East Africa, in Memory of Denny.
