Dennis Lee Whittle

Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Dennis Lee Whittle, age 73, of Fort Peck, Mont., passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024.

Dennis was born on Jan. 12, 1951, in Watertown, S.D., to the parents of Kenneth and Lila (Gehrke) Whittle and attended school in Kadoka, S.D.

He will lovingly be remembered by his children; Bill (Kay) Whittle, of Cooke City, Mont., Tami (Chris) Parker, of Clear Lake, S.D., Jamie Whittle, of Watertown and Ryleigh (Chad) Reesen, of Omaha, Neb. Grandchildren Tomie Ogren, Tucker (Courtney) Parker, Carter (Kailee) Parker, Summer Parker (Rylie Stevens), Spencer Whittle, Emelia, Noah and Jonah Reesen. Great- grandchildren Grayson and Bristol Ogren, Bristol and Brylee Parker and Swayzee Parker. Beloved pet and companion; Hondo his chocolate lab.

Dennis will also be missed by his siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dennis spent much of his early adulthood when his children were young in Wyoming, which nurtured his growing love for the West and the mountains. Beginning around 1990 Dennis moved to Colorado, where he lived and worked for many years and enjoyed spending time on his horses exploring the backcountry, hunting, and fishing. Dennis continued his exploration of Colorado in his Maule Airplane after becoming a pilot.

A career change brought Dennis to Montana, where he spent the balance of his life truck driving and exploring Montana. Dennis continued to hunt and fish, but fishing was clearly what he loved most and after discovering Fort Peck, it quickly became home. Although he spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with his son Bill, his constant fishing companion was Hondo, his chocolate lab. Many of the people Dennis held dear in his life no doubt can still hear him say, "All I have to do is say, Hondo are you ready to go fishing?" and Hondo would run to the door, ready to go.

A Celebration of Dennis's Life was held May 4, at the home of his daughter, Tami Parker from 2 to 4 p.m., 18638 469th Avenue, Clear Lake, SD 57226.