Dennis R. Mennenga

Dennis R. Mennenga, age 81, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Prairie Lakes Hospital. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Cornerstone Church in Watertown. Rev. Steve Anderson will officiate. Music will be provided by Daniel Tsukamato as Organist and Kevin LaFramboise as soloist.  Favorite football attire is encouraged. This service will be live streamed through our website.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Friday from 5-7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be  granddaughters: Alyssa Jutting, Kaitlin Vander Kooi, McKenzie Mennenga, and Karlee Anderson. Active pallbearers will be grandsons: Ross Wensing, Jordan Wensing, Beau Wensing, Derek Jutting, Trevor Jutting, Tyler Pederson, Zachary Mennenga, Taylor Mennenga, Mason Mennenga, Micah Mennenga and Malachi Mennenga.

Dennis was born on August 24, 1942, in Brookings, SD, to John A. and Irene (Koenders) Mennenga. He graduated from Castlewood High School in 1960.

On September 1, 1962, Dennis married Sharyl LaFramboise in Castlewood, SD at First Presbyterian Church. Dennis started driving truck with his father-in-law and drove truck for several freight companies. His CB handle on the road was “Roadhog”. He drove for 41 years and retired in 2000. The couple wintered in Green Valley, AZ for 19 years.

He was a member of Cornerstone Church and attended Valley Presbyterian Church in AZ. He served as Captain of the Castlewood Fire Department. Denny loved the Lord and his family. He enjoyed pheasant hunting, a well-manicured yard, and a clean car.  While wintering in AZ, he enjoyed playing cards, shuffle boarding, stained glass and visiting with anyone willing to listen.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Sharyl, of Watertown; two sons, Barry (Danette DePietro) Mennenga, Sioux Falls, SD, Corey (Sheila) Mennenga, Watertown, SD, two daughters, Kayla (Rob) Pederson, Lennox, SD, and Jodi (Dave) Wensing, Florence, SD, one brother, Leon (Jolene) Mennenga, Adams, NE; one sister-in-law, Judy LaFramboise, LeCenter, MN; one brother-in-law, Kevin (Barb) LaFramboise, Farmington, MN; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and special goddaughter, Cindy Heemeyer of Castlewood, SD.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents John and Irene, in-laws John and Arletta LaFramboise, two brothers-in law, John Jr. and George LaFramboise.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant

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