Dennis L. Hoss

Dennis L. Hoss, age 71, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Scott Trayor officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791 and the Patriot Guard Riders. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a Vigil service at 7:00 PM. Pallbearers are Alex Slagle, Chase Huber, Sam Huber, Alex Pick, Ryan Pick, Tim Hoss, and Marc Hoss. Dennis L. Hoss was born October 16, 1947, in Le Mars, Iowa to Richard and Celeste (Dreckman) Hoss. He grew up on the family farm outside of Remsen, Iowa and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1965. He then enlisted into the United States Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic in the Philippines, Vietnam and stateside during the Vietnam War. He married Donna Groepper on February 8, 1969, in Remsen, Iowa. Dennis was honorably discharged from the Air Force in May of 1969 and Dennis and Donna continued to live in Hampton, Virginia for a short time after the war. They moved to Sioux City, Iowa where Dennis worked as an auto mechanic until moving to Le Mars, Iowa where he became a licensed plumber and worked for Plymouth Plumbing and Heating. Dennis had to have bypass surgery on his heart when he was 40, and after visiting Yankton, South Dakota decided to move his family there in 1988 because he loved the lake area. He began working for Fejfar Plumbing until 1992 when he began working for Lewis and Clark Recreation Area as the building maintenance supervisor. Dennis retired in 2006 due to his failing health. After their retirement, he and Donna sold everything and bought an RV and went south spending their time as campground hosts. They moved back to Yankton in 2012 and wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona and later settled in Mesa, Arizona. Dennis was a strong willed, caring family man who was always ready for a party. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton and the American Legion in Apache Junction. He enjoyed camping, boating, golfing, tinkering and loved being outdoors. Survivors include his wife, Donna Hoss of Yankton; two daughters: Jan (Chad) Pickner of Sioux City, Iowa and Carin (Brian) Huber of Yankton; three grandsons: Alex (Morgan) Slagle, Chase Huber and Sam Huber; one great granddaughter, Lincoln Slagle; three brothers: Jim (Rosanne) Hoss of Le Mars, Iowa; Charlie (Barb) Hoss of Coralville, Iowa and Tom (Kathy) Hoss of Le Mars, Iowa; sister, Sandy (Loren) Schnepf of Oyens, Iowa; six step-siblings: Larry (Sue) Gengler, Peggy (Dwight) Wendschlag, Bill (Irene) Gengler, Garry (Kate) Gengler, LuAnn (Whitey) Kommes, and Arlene (Jeff) Tobin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Mildred Hoss and granddaughter, Claire. Dennis’s family is very thankful to Dr. Marian Petrasko for his wonderful care and many extra years that he gave to Dennis. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.