Denise Kneifl

General Manager

Denise started her role as General Manager of RTEC in January of 2024 and has 20 years of Manufacturing and manufacturing management experience.

Born and raised in northwestern Wisconsin, Denise earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology from the University of Wisconsin River Falls.  She started her career in animal Nutrition in upstate New York, was transferred to Sioux City, Iowa in 1999, where she opted to start her manufacturing career.  Prince Manufacturing in North Sioux City, SD gave her the opportunity to start in their engineering department as a drafter and worked her way up to General Manager of their Sioux City Facility. 

In 2019, Denise moved into a position with Astec Industries in Yankton.  While at Astec she served on the RTEC board of Directors.  Around that same time she also started teaching Excel classes through RTEC.  When the position of General manager became available she felt that this was a good fit for her and was excited to be able to lead the organization. In her spare time, Denise enjoys reading, crafting, gardening and camping with her family.

Contact Denise: dkneifl@rtecedu.org | (605) 668-5700

 
 
 
 

Jason Olson

Lab Manager

Jason Olson is a certified welder, and CNC instructor through RTEC. He spend 32 years welding and inspecting from ASTEC. Deciding he loved to teach, he wanted to change into an instructing carrier in the field he fell in love with. He has a wife, and two kids , alongside two fur babies. Jason is a car guru and loves his precious hot rods! Jason was born to teach and many know him as a helpful and down to earth guy who appreciates the math behind what it takes to weld to perfection. You can schedule courses with him now!

Contact: | (605) 668-5700

 
 
 
 

Alex Ketter

AWS WELDING INSTRUCTOR

Alex Ketter is the newest welding instructor addition to RTEC. He came over from ASTEC with 7 years work experience in welding manufacturing. Alex loves to fish in his downtime, whilst also hanging out with his two puppies Bear and Badger! He is excited for this new carrier in instructing and is counting down the days until his students come for his first classes scheduled for January 2025. Alex will be instructing basic and advanced welding, however you may see him pop into other classes from time to time to help out or join in.

 
 
 
 

Dan Mason

Welding Basics Instructor

Dan, married with 2 daughters and 8 grandchildren, resides here in the Yankton Community. In the past, Dan was an EMT for Yankton County and served as a volunteer at the Pleasant Hill Fire Department. Dan retired from the City of Yankton, Water Department, after 25 years as a Utility Worker. He was responsible for meter reading, pump station operation and maintenance, sewer system maintenance, water distribution, other water services as well as meter installations.

Dan holds several Certifications in the following areas:

  • Restricted Plumbing Contractor

  • Class 3 Wastewater Collection Operator

  • Class 3 Water Distribution Operator

  • CDL

  • AWS Certified Welder

Dan has chosen to spend his retirement towards the success of our students here at RTEC and throughout our community.