Dennis Berneking

Dennis H. Berneking, 75, of Browns Valley, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Born on September 7, 1950, in Wheaton, Minnesota, to Harold and Hazel (Hoagland) Berneking, Dennis was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in his hometown. He spent more than thirty years as a farmer, raising crops, cattle, and hogs, before retiring early due to Churg-Strauss, a rare autoimmune disease. Even after leaving active farming, he remained deeply passionate about the land, wildlife, and the rhythms of rural life.

Dennis cherished living by the lake and found joy in tending a large garden, camping, hunting, and fishing. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends, especially his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pa-Pa Dennis.” Known for his resilient spirit, he faced every health challenge with characteristic humor, often referring to it as “patching the old tire.”

He is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughter, Kristi DeJong of Lake Havasu, Arizona; his son, Dallas (Kay) Berneking of Sioux Falls; grandchildren Brett, Amber, and Kailey DeJong, and Tilton, Jameson, and Rexton Berneking; and four great-grandchildren. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hazel Berneking; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Moland and Elaine Smith; his sister, Karen Feltus; and brothers-in-law David Smith and Merrill Haukos, and sister-in-law Suzie Smith.