Dennis Walz

Dates

Obituary

Dennis Walz, 72, of Mt. Vernon, SD, died Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, January 5, at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Dennis Lee Walz was born August 12, 1949, to Kenneth and Verona (Marsden) Walz in Mitchell, SD. Dennis graduated with the last graduating class of Plano High School in 1967. After high school, Dennis joined the US Marine Corps, and was stationed in San Diego. Upon returning from service, Dennis married Katherine “Kathy” Markhardt on September 1, 1973.

Dennis worked with the South Dakota Department of Transportation for 20 years. He was also a semi-driver and rock hauler for 10 years. He was a member of the Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years, and 10 of those years as Fire Chief.

Dennis was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. He also enjoyed woodworking, riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, being a handyman, and watching sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings and Duke Basketball. Dennis made the best homemade caramel popcorn. He was a member of multiple slow-pitch softball teams, Bowling League, and American Legion. He loved joking around and playing cards with friends. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, kids, and grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Katherine of Mt. Vernon; sons, Dustin (Tammy) of Volga, SD, and Shad (Destany) of Mitchell; daughters, Dena (Aaron) Grotewold of Larchwood, IA, and Shawna Walz of Mitchell; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dale (Vicki) Walz of Hot Springs, SD, and Diana (Rod) DesCombaz of Mt. Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; uncles, Sam, Keith, and Owen; aunts, Marlys and Barb; mother and father-in-law, Margaret and Alvin Markhardt; and sister-in-law, Vaye Jean.

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