Dennis L Heesch

Dennis L. Heesch, age 74, of Garretson, SD, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

A celebration of life is planned for Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with time for remembrance, prayer and military honors starting at 5:00 PM. Julie Gregg will officiate. Scattering of remains will take place at a later time.

Dennis Lee Heesch was born July 24, 1951 in Sioux Falls, SD to Donald E and Nola (Leslie) Heesch. He received his education at Escondido Union High School

Dennis Lee Heesch never failed to put a smile on anyone's face, or talk and tell stories about his time in the Marine Corps and Army. He joined the Marine Corps the first time in 1969 and he left in late 1971. After leaving, he went to visit his mother and met Sharon Debora McConkey at the Sirloin Stockade in Abilene Kansas. They later married November 12, 1973. He then rejoined the Marine Corps in early 1974. During his time in the Marines, he was a swimming instructor and a weapon specialist. He competed in the CIAP Western Division shooting competition while stationed in Camp Pendleton. Later that year Dennis and Sharon had their first child, Michael. He left the Marine Corps in mid-1976 where he was stationed at Camp Pendleton. He later joined the Army in 1976. Then, in 1983 Dennis and Sharon had their second child, John. In 1984, he left the Army and was stationed in Kansas, Germany, South Korea, Alaska, Arizona, and ended his time in Hawaii. After leaving the Army, he moved to Oklahoma where he worked for the post office and later was medically retired. He spent most of his time in Oklahoma City, OK and held several different positions within law enforcement. Dennis moved back to South Dakota in 2001 to be closer to family where he spent the rest of life fishing, hunting, and watching his grandkids grow up.

Dennis is survived by his sons, Michael Heesch of Norfolk, NE, and John (Jennifer) Heesch of Centerville, SD; stepdaughter, Margaret (Michael) Fulton of Abilene, KS; grandchildren, Joshua Fulton, Hunter Cooper, Lauren Heesch, MaKayla Heesch, Kennedy Heesch, and Liam Heesch; one great grandchild; half-sister, Carrie Curtis; brother, Donald (Erin) Heesch; and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Nola Heesch; wife, Sharon Heesch; brother, Dwain Heesch; sister, Alberta Frisby; and brother, Kenneth Heesch.