Funeral Service for Dennis G. Ruckdaschel, 70, of Watertown, SD formerly of Sisseton, SD will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD with Rev. William Schruba officiating. Pallbearers will be Brian Heinecke, Gordon Groos, Bob Hull, Richard Larson, Bill Stickland and Gary Ruckdaschel. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Staff and Residents of New Horizons. Interment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, South Dakota. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 10:00 A.M. to time of service. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Dennis was born on December 15, 1945 in Sisseton, South Dakota. He resided with his parents Abe and Dorothy (Larson) Ruckdaschel in Sisseton, SD, Deadwood, SD and Tabor, SD until moving to Watertown, SD in 1992. Dennis enjoyed sports and traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Texas and New York City. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan. Dennis died on May 13, 2016 at Jenkins Living Center, Watertown, SD.
Dennis is survived by his brother Gary and his wife Nancy Ruckdaschel of Waubay, SD and sister Cathy and Rich Larson of Woodberry, MN; two nephews John Ruckdaschel and David Larson and a niece Jessica Thomas.
Dennis was preceded in death by his biological father Allen Kutter, his parents Abe and Dorothy Ruckdaschel and niece Carrie Ruckdaschel.

Who was our brother Dennis? He was an active little boy who enjoyed nothing more than being on our Grandma and Grandpa's farm north of Hammer, SD. We often talked about our memories there. We spent hours roaming the farm with Grandma's dog "Jackie". On the farm we climbed trees, looked for treasures in the woods, picked plums from the plum thickets and ate them until we had stomach aches. We helped our Grandma with chores-picking up wood, feeding the chickens and picking eggs from the chicken coop. We helped our Uncle Vernon drive the horses pulling a plow and raking the hay.

Dennis had a passion for sports. He attended all the basketball, football, and baseball games wherever we lived which included Sisseton, Deadwood, and Tabor, S.D. He knew the scores of all the games and enjoyed discussing the games with his family and friends. He was an avid MN Vikings and MN Twins fan. His apartment was decked out with Viking attire.

Dennis could make unbelievable shots at basketball. He could make half court shots consecutively. Dennis was also very talented at pool. He enjoyed playing pool whenever he had the chance.

Dennis made friends wherever he lived. He enjoyed shaking dice for coffee at the local Mobile cafe in Sisseton and had many friends there. His favorite foods were hamburgers, fries, and soda. He also loved his sweets - especially the home made cookies that Nancy Ruckdaschel baked for him.

Dennis loved animals and sponsored a bear at the "Bramble Zoo" in Watertown, S.D. He enjoyed going there to visit the animals, especially the farm animals which he had done recently with friends.

Dennis also donated a bench at the Sisseton Cemetary Military Memorial in honor of our father Abe Ruckdaschel who served in World War II in the Navy. Dennis was very proud of this Memorial. He often visited our our parents graves after eating at visiting at "Billy's Cafe" in downtown Sisseton. Dennis had a dear friend Bill who was a volunteer who would bring him to Sisseton and other activities. We thank Bill for all he did for our brother.

Dennis enjoyed traveling and went to Hawaii, Florida several times, Texas, New York City, Seattle, and on a cruise to Alaska.

Dennis was cared for by loving people in his home in New Horizons in Watertown, S.D. and he had many friends there. Dennis was very brave and strong and never complained. We thank all of his group home staff and hospice staff for all the care they gave to our brother. Dennis was a wonderful man who was cared for deeply by Gary and Cathy and all who knew him. He was a kind, gentle, and fun loving person.

Dennis is now home with Mom and Dad and all our loved ones who have passed. We will miss you Dennis and will hold our memories close to our heart. Rest in Peace.