Dennis "Denny" R. Dertien

NORFOLK — Services for Dennis R. “Denny” Dertien, 68, of Norfolk will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk with burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery and the Rev. Dustin Petz officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday. Denny died on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Pierce Manor in Pierce and succumbed to the complications caused by myelodysplastic syndrome. Denny was born on Feb. 19, 1946, in Pierre, S.D., to Ralph and Olga Dertien, who predeceased him. Denny moved to Norfolk as a young child and was a fixture here all his life. He was there with a friendly smile and quick tease to all persons who stopped a moment to appreciate him. He had many fans throughout the community, including the Envisions staff and clients, barbers at Royal Image, friends at Cleveland Bike Shop and the hundreds of Norfolkans that said hello to Denny as he rode his bike around town or sat for hours at the mall. Denny’s family is eternally grateful to all that helped him throughout the years, including those who worried about his safety and made urgent phone calls, such as “Denny is riding on the wrong side of 13th Street again!” Denny delivered Norfolk Area Shopper for many years and was named Carrier of the Week several times. As his 65th birthday drew near in 2011, he said he was going to retire because that is the age a person retires! He had a party and cake and he was so proud of retiring! We, his family, thought of moving Denny closer to us in Texas, but his home and his life was Norfolk. One year we brought him south for Thanksgiving. After a few days, he said he wanted to go home, “Right now! Right now!” As his illness progressed, Denny moved to a nursing center and was admitted into hospice. We want to sincerely thank the staff and residents of Pierce Manor and Faith Regional Hospice for caring for Denny like he was family. Besides his parents, Denny is also predeceased by his sister, Lavonne. He is survived by his brother, Bob, and sister-in-law Julie; nephew Jeremy, nephew Nicholas and his wife, Dana; and great-nephews Sawyer and Miller, as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Denny’s name to a charity that helps mentally challenged persons or helps children. Denny especially loved all kids because he was always a kid at heart. Music will be by organist Betty Frank. Casket bearers will be Rod Matson, Joe Hintz, Brandon Reagan, Nate Codr and Cody Cleveland. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Dennis "Denny" R. Dertien

February 19, 1946 - July 17, 2014