Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Jan 27, 1954 - Mar 15, 2026 (Age 72)
He was just a very good guy, would do anything for you. He did like to live on the edge but in a good way, always onto the next adventure, he will be missed! My sincere Sympathy to all of his Family
Mary Bernhard
March 20, 2026 | Harrisburg, SD | Friend
Glenda & Boyd, my sympathies to you & your family. In reading his obituary, it sounds like he was quite the character. (You were at my book talk with Karla-in case you´re wondering who I am).
Delaine Shay
March 20, 2026 | Other
Rachel, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers to you and your family. Love Marge
Marge Mifflin
March 18, 2026 | NJ | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Debra Petersen (Minkel)
March 18, 2026 | Centerville, SD
One helluva bloke. Heart of gold, gruffness of an ornery bull lookin' for a tussle. He gave me a job when things were sketchy and kept me off food stamps. Though his trucks barely had room for a passenger, he always had room for empathy. Adios amigo.
Michael Williamson
March 17, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Lois I am so sorry to hear of Russ's passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and the girls.
Joey Haugse
March 17, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Russ was one of the first people I met when I moved to Sioux Falls.We met at the Showcase he gave me a job we became friends and took me around and interduceed me to many people I still see. Had a big heart and will be missed R.I.P. We will see you down the road!
Curtis Larsen
March 17, 2026 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Every event with Russ was an adventure. Fine, fine man !!!!!
Arlie Brende
March 17, 2026 | Friend
Sorry to see you go but you will be missed. To a cousin who I spent a lot of time with, we had good times and got in a little trouble sometimes,, but he always had my back. I spent a lot of time with Glenda, Russ and Mary when I was younger.Aunt Rene and Uncle Henry were the best! Absolutely loved your pate’s and your asparagus. You could make anything taste good! Hope you and Larry and Don have more good times! Can’t believe alll of you are gone. Way too soon. Love you❤
Karla Burma-Javers
March 17, 2026 | Tea, SD | Family
Russell David DeNeui, 72, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family and his beloved dog.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on March 20, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 p.m., with family present to greet friends.
Russ was born on January 27, 1954, to Henry and Lorene (Harms) DeNeui of Chancellor, South Dakota. Never one to do anything small, he was welcomed home by an early spring thaw that saw water running down the streets of Chancellor.
Growing up, Russ had a deep love for sports and enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, football, and, to a lesser extent, track. “Big Russ” attended school in Chancellor until the school consolidated in 1969 and later graduated from Lennox High School in 1972. As a young adult, his love of sports continued. He bowled, shot pool and darts, and played both baseball and softball.
Russ worked for area farmers during his high school years and later lived and worked in Madison, South Dakota, for a short time. He began pouring concrete for Brooks Concrete and Tom Kontz Construction, gaining valuable experience in the trade he would devote his life to. Russ co-founded Midwest Construction with his brother-in-law, Boyd Fluth in 1987. In 1989, Russ set out on his own and established Russ DeNeui Construction. Through hard work, determination, and a reputation for doing the job right, he built a respected business that he proudly operated until his retirement in 2021.
Russ was a lifelong hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. Pheasant hunting season opener held a special place for him, and he didn’t miss one until last October when his health would no longer allow it. He especially loved being outdoors—whether hunting, fishing, playing yard games, or enjoying a friendly game of bags or horseshoes with family and friends. Russ also had a deep love for animals. He took great care to keep his squirrels and birds well fed, always making sure the feeders were full and hung in just the right spot so he could watch the birds come to visit. He also loved reading and could often be found with a good book in hand.
He loved sharing his passions and creations with those around him. If you received a jar of his homemade horseradish or pickled asparagus, you were loved. Russ could cook, too, and was known for bringing Butch’s Beans or carrot cake to gatherings. And if you could convince him to make Chicken Cordon Bleu, your life would never be the same. He enjoyed trying new foods and flavors, though that adventurous spirit once got him into trouble when he plucked what he thought was a snack out of a bowl—only to discover, too late, that it was actually a dog treat already in his mouth before anyone could stop him.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 41 years, Lois; daughters Jenny (Quentin) Johnson and Rachel (Victor) Larsen; grandsons Anthony, Brock, Henry, and Dodge; sisters Glenda (Boyd) Fluth and Mary (Craig) Mulder; and many family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a host of extended family members, and some very special dogs.
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