Dennis was born October 12, 1936, to Marie (Mayer) and Henry Schumacher in Mitchell, SD. Dennis passed away March 12, 2021, at Monument Health hospital in Rapid City, SD. He grew up around Mt. Vernon farming with his father and uncles until he moved to Black Hills in 1950 when his Dad went to work at Homestake Gold Mine, He went to school at St. Patrick Catholic School.
In 1955 he enlisted in South Dakota National Guard. He married Jacqueline Pier on June 23, 1956. They later divorced. From this union 3 boys and 2 girls were born, He retired from the National Guards in 1976.
He married Judy Sampson Garber on February 15, 1975. From this union 2 girls were born. He worked for Homestake Gold Mine for 25 years. He was so proud he was able to work with his son, Dennis Jr., for 10 years mining gold. After retiring from Homestake in 1992 he worked at Little River Saw Mill. He then started driving trucks first over the road then locally with East West. He retired from trucking in February of 2006. His hobbies were hunting, fishing and wood working.
Survivors include wife, Judy; sons, Dennis Jr., Donald, David, Linn, and Gene; daughters Patricia, Elizabeth, and Danielle; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers; and 5 sisters including Donna Fish; numerous nieces, nephews, and his dog, Waldo and cat, Dice.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Pamala Jones; great-granddaughter, Kamryn Schumacher; uncles, Albert and Leonard Schumacher; and 2 sisters.
Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. on March 18, 2021, at Our Lady of The Black Hills Catholic Church in Piedmont, SD. Masks and social distancing required. Private family burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Thanks Jason and Michael for stove pellets. Famous last words "Don't run over the curb, Mom."
Dennis was the first participant to do the Veteran's Honor walk at Monument Health Rapid City hospital.