Dennis Stirling

Dennis (Denny) Lee Stirling, age 70, was united in heaven with Jesus in Parkston, South Dakota, on Thursday, January 1st, 2026. Wife Jennifer was next to him when he met Jesus.

Dennis was born January 18th, 1955, in Parkston SD to Jim Stirling and Marlys (Rath) Stirling. He grew up on his family farm east of town with his parents and 2 brothers, Tom and Dan. He went to school at Kuml 35 for his elementary years, and Parkston High School until he graduated in 1974. He stayed on the farm with his parents. Pursuing his love of farming, he started his own farm only one mile away from his family farm.

He met Jennifer (Morkve) Stirling in 1995 and married her May 26th, 1998. Jennifer and Dennis had two children, Shaun and Amelia, before separating in 2005. The two reunited on May 8th, 2023 and she stayed with him through it all.

He loved crop, farming corn, alfalfa, and beans. His pride and specialty, however, was his livestock. He was able to tell anybody about any detail on his cattle. As many small family farmers do, they help each other out over the years. Those neighbors became like family, trading beef, eggs, pork, or other acts of kindness.

He loved his cat Sharky (Shark-o's), often times being seen with the cat on his lap, the tray beside his favorite chair, or even walking around outside with Dennis when farming, checking on livestock or feeding the other cats.

He would occasionally go to Memorial Baptist Church for their services. His favorite service was the Father's Day Service in the park with the grill out potluck following the service.

He came to trust in the Lord as his redeemer and Savior, and received salvation in this acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Dennis enjoyed many things over the years, like taking the family out to eat, grilling food, playing pool and teaching the children to play, he seemed to always kick their butts, and watching westerns and Green Bay Packers.

He had a laugh that could be heard a mile away. No matter what it was, those that heard his laugh would laugh along with him. His smile and those dimples, when he was shaved, would cause others to smile.

He is survived in life is his spouse, Jennifer; his two children, Shaun and Amelia (Tori); stepchildren, Cody, Jessyca, Nycole, Jozie, and Connor; his grandchildren, Ilyana, Loren, Elyzabella, Naomi, Sinte, Emyl, Haytham, and Amayah; his father, Jim; his brother, Dan; sister-in-law, Cheryl; and his nieces, Abbie, Katie, and Emily.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents; mother, Marlys and brother, Tom.

Dennis’s Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at Memorial Baptist Church in Parkston, beginning at 3 p.m. His burial service will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Siouxland Teens Encounter Christ, 58694 882nd RD, Newcastle, NE 68757.