Jesse Dennis

WAUSA – Memorial services for Jesse Dennis, 95, Yankton, S.D., were held Sept. 26, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Wausa. Pastor Ron Johnson officiated, with burial in Magnet Cemetery in Magnet. Brockhaus Funeral Home, Wausa, was in charge of arrangements. Jesse died Sept. 20, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Society in Atkinson. Jesse Dennis was born Sept. 1, 1928, in Butte to Jess N. and Agnes (Clifton) Dennis. Jesse was the eighth of nine boys (no girls) … poor mother. It was said, “They have a baseball team, but not a player among them!” The boys’ names were Louis, Kim, Paul, Don, Frank, Clifford, Gordon, Jesse and Bob. Bob is the last remaining brother; he is currently 93. The family moved from Butte in 1938 to Coleridge,then again to Randolph in 1943, where Jesse graduated in 1946.

Jesse worked as an electrician after graduation and joined the Navy in 1950.He was assigned to a destroyer, the USS Picking 685, and served on it for three and a half years. They were at sea most of the time within Korean waters. When the war ended, his ship was awarded a three-month trip around the world with two other destroyers … what an adventure. Jess was honorably discharged in July 1954.

In 1955, Jesse purchased the grain and feed business in Magnet, and then built a new elevator after the big tornado in 1976. Jesse was self-employed for 38 years in the grain, feed and fertilizer business.

Jesse married Sandra Lackas in 1958. He declared her a “natural beauty!” To this union were born three children, Gina, Steve and Wade. Jesse and Sandy have two grandchildren, Matt and Katie, and five great-grandchildren. Jesse was a born Methodist, and he loved his church and enjoyed his men’s morning Bible study.Jesse enjoyed gambling, fishing and spending time with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Jesse Dennis to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Jesse Dennis