Dennis "Denny" John Pelkofer

Dennis “Denny” John Pelkofer, 81, of Aberdeen, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen.

Private family Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 11, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aberdeen, with Father Michael Griffin, Celebrant.

Private family burial, with military rites, will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Family and friends may sign Denny’s online guestbook and view his service at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Dennis John Pelkofer was born on February 25, 1939, to Raymond and Rose (Antoszak) Pelkofer.  He grew up in Milwaukee, WI, across the street from his treasured Lake Michigan.  Denny attended Don Bosco High School where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his football and basketball accomplishments.  His fierce allegiance to the Green Bay Packers started with his Wisconsin roots.  If you knew Denny, you understood his Packer passion.  He proudly named the gravel road to the lake cabin Packer Drive.

Denny met the love of his life, Shirley Jenniges, while attending the University of South Dakota, where he was recruited to play football.  They married June 18, 1960, in Hot Springs and have been married for 60 years, making their forever home in Aberdeen.

He served his country honorably in the United States Army.  Denny then worked for the state of SD in various capacities for over 25 years.  He was instrumental in developing and managing training, employment, and family independence programs. In the 80’s, he was the owner and operator of family-run Elm Lake Resort and managed the Frederick Lounge and Cafe. He worked with Homes Are Possible, Inc., where he helped people obtain affordable housing until retirement in 2011.  Throughout his life, Denny volunteered his time serving on nonprofit boards, including NESD New Tech, NESD Headstart, Homes are Possible, and Elm Lake Association.  He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.

He was happiest at Elm Lake where he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, time with family, and morning coffee with cherished friends.  He was fondly called the “baby whisperer.” He proudly watched his children and grandchildren participate in various activities.

Denny will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Shirley of Aberdeen; his children: Tim (Marion) Pelkofer, Lemmon, SD; Julie (Rob) Waage, Sioux Falls, SD; Patty (Aaron) Donat, Fargo, ND; and Linda (Jarrod) Preisen, Plymouth, MN.  He was dearly loved by his ten grandchildren:  Sandy, Brent, Amber, Melissa, Chad, Andrew, Grace, Emma, Ellen, and Jane as well as his four great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and two brothers.

Pallbearers will be:  Aaron Donat, Andrew Donat, Jarrod Preisen, Rob Waage, Chad Pelkofer, and Brent David.  Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Pat Mertens, Kermit Born, Tom Thorpe, Jim Bain, Doug Zahn, Ken Mizerny, Joel Durheim, Harvey Anliker, Tom Klipfel, and Dick Leising. 

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