Dennis D. Dye

Dennis D. Dye, 64, of Sioux City died Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, at a hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family, after a lengthy illness.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Tess Panamarow officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Mr. Dye was born Feb. 12, 1942, in St. Joseph, Mo. His parents were Chester Oral and Edna Grace (Barber) Dye. He graduated from Lafayette High School in St. Joseph in 1960. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1960 and retired in October 1980, after serving his country 20 years.

In 1962, he married Phyllis D. Dempsey and had four children. They divorced in 1984, but remained close friends. Mr. Dye moved to Sioux City five years ago after marrying Lana L. Wieck on June 22, 2001, in Dakota City. They adopted two sons, who remain in the home.

Mr. Dye had been a life-long supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and in 1978, he was drummed into the Order of the Arrow. He was a Disabled American Vet. He worked for ENCOR (Easter Nebraska Core of Retardation) in Omaha, where he was a teacher for mentally handicapped adults. Next, he became a foster care provider for troubled youths. He retired for the last time driving a school bus in 1995 for the Laidlaw Bus Company in Omaha.

He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sgt. Floyd Post 1973 in Sioux City. He was also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was a model train enthusiast. He loved camping and all things outdoors. He also enjoyed woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, Lana L. (Wieck) Dye of Sioux City; four sons, Richard D. Dye Sr. of Omaha, Robert D. Dye of Lincoln, Neb., Gage A.M. Dye and Jesse G.D. Dye, both of Sioux City; three daughters, Denise R. Williams of St. Joseph, Mo., Tammy L. Dye of Kansas City, Mo. and Lisa D. James and her husband, Tim of St. Joseph; 16 natural grandchildren plus one more on the way; two stepgrandchildren; a great-grandchild; two brothers, Roger O. Dye and his wife, Charlene of Waterloo, Neb. and George H. Dye and his wife, Donna of Easton, Mo.; two sisters, Vera G. Sprout and her husband, Dick and Edna Marie Brant, all of St. Joseph, Mo.; his mother-in-law, Lucille Walker of Dakota City; two brothers-in-law, Gary Wieck and his wife, Connie of Dakota City and Leonard Wieck and his wife, Cindy of Plattsmouth, Neb.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, Charles E. Dye and Donald O. Dye; and a sister, Margaret Walker.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ezra "L.C." Roundtree, Gary Wieck, Leonard Wieck, Tim James, Gregory Williams, Ty Robinson, Robert Dye and Jesse Dye.