Dennis "Denny" Eugene Atkins

Dennis Eugene Atkins, 68, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Monday, December 13, 2021 at Advantara Nursing Home in Groton, SD.

Funeral Services are 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2021, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Aberdeen, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating.

Visitation is 3:00-5:00 p.m., Thursday, at the mortuary with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m.  Visitation continues one hour before the service at the church.

Burial is at South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, with military honors, at a later date.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and also view the service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Dennis “Denny” E. Atkins was born April 28, 1953 to Ralph and Leola (Hart) Atkins in Huron, SD He grew up on a dairy farm near Cavor. He graduated from Iroquois High School in 1971. After graduation he enlisted into the US Navy where he was store clerk on the USS Jouett during the Vietnam War.

Dennis married Marigene “Margie” Baumann on March 24, 1984, to which they added 3 children to love. Throughout his life travels, Dennis has resided in Huron, Pierre, Lemon, Webster, Aberdeen, and Lake Elsinore, CA.

During his life he worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, DUI Instructor, DARE Program in the schools, creating multiple counseling programs throughout South Dakota and California. He was also a dairy farm worker and construction worker.

He enjoyed playing sports, including baseball, playing cards, bowling and pool. He spent many seasons hunting deer, pheasants, and ducks. He loved watching his children's activities and sports.

A faithful Christian, Dennis often sang solos in church, resonating especially with the songs “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” and “Amazing Grace”. Dennis celebrated 42 years of sobriety earlier this year.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Margie; children: Heather Atkins, Jeremy (Lesley) Atkins, and Zachary (Samantha) Atkins; siblings: LeRoy (Sandy) Atkins, Lois (Don) Houck, Margy North, Jim (Edith) Atkins, Cecil (Deb) Atkins, Bonnie (Doug) Petersen; grandchildren: Savannah, Emma, Levi, Abby, Hannah, Cole, Stella, Jaxson, Nathan, Benjaman, and Liam; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and nephews.