Dennis A. Hettich

Dennis Allan Hettich, age 78, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Avantara in Redfield, South Dakota.

Born on October 3, 1947, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Dennis was the son of Jacob Fred and Velma Leona (Korb) Hettich. He grew up in the Tolstoy area of Potter County and became a skilled carpenter known as a true jack of all trades. Throughout his life, he generously used his talents to help family, friends, and neighbors with building and repairs. He also worked for many years at ADEE Honey Farm, where his dedication and strong work ethic were widely respected. In his free time, Dennis found great joy fishing the Missouri River.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1967, serving in the Seabees with two tours in Vietnam before receiving an honorable discharge in 1969. On October 24, 1970, Dennis married Carol Marilyn Vilhauer. Together they shared 55 years of marriage, raising two sons while building a life rooted in family and hard work. Dennis lived for many years in the Roscoe area before moving to Aberdeen in October 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Hettich of Aberdeen; sons Neil (Ellie) Hettich of Watertown, South Dakota, and Kirk (Jody) Hettich of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren Kaya (Wyatt Dailey) Hettich, Kara Hettich, David (Sabrina) Silveria, Noel (Austin) Hanson, and Nathaniel Hettich; great-grandchildren Holden Kasdorf, Buck Dailey, Amelia Silveria, and Derek Silveria; and siblings Patty Okroi, Roger (Tina) Hettich, Julie Boschee, Rhonda Clark, and Lori (Miles) Eisenbeisz, all of Aberdeen except Roger of Tennessee. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Candice Hillard, three brothers-in-law, and one niece. He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his willingness to help others, his love of family, and his passion for fishing.