Dennis Berneking

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

A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Dennis was born September 7, 1950, to Harold and Hazel (Hoagland) Berneking in Wheaton, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school in Wheaton. Dennis became a farmer and for over thirty years raised crops, cattle, and hogs before retiring early from a rare autoimmune disease known as Churg-Strauss.

Dennis continued to be passionate about the farming way of life and wildlife interests. He always had a large garden, enjoyed living by the lake, camping, hunting and fishing. Most of all, he enjoyed friends and family, especially time with his grandchildren. He loved his new name “Pa-Pa Dennis.” Dennis was not afraid of living or dying and referred to every health crisis as “patching the old tire!”

He is survived by his wife Diane; daughter, Kristi DeJong of Lake Havasu, AZ; son, Dallas (Kay) Berneking of Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Brett DeJong, Amber DeJong, Kailey DeJong, Tilton Berneking, Jameson Berneking, and Rexton Berneking; and four great-grandchildren.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father and mother, Harold and Hazel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Moland and Elaine Smith; sister, Karen Feltus; brothers-in-law, David Smith and Merrill Haukos; and sister-in-law, Suzie Smith.