Dennis Weideman, 70, passed away in his home surrounded by family on April 9, 2025. He died from the effects of Agent Orange exposure during his time in the military.
An informal celebration of life will be held on April 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Mellette Community Center to enjoy cocktails together and share stories of Dennis. Burial will be at the Athol Cemetery during a private ceremony at a later date.
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com
Dennis was born on November 21, 1954, as the fourth child of Dale and Jean (Wetzler) Weideman. His siblings were Lavonne, Connie, Gordon, and Donald.
Dennis grew up in Athol, SD and attended school at Northwestern/Northville but ultimately graduated from Doland High School in 1973. At Northwestern, he participated in football (earning all-conference honors multiple years), basketball, and track. The Northwestern Class of 73 was a special group of people to Dennis and many of them routinely gathered to solve the world’s problems at the Athol Bar, Voodoo Lounge, Tolvstad Tavern, and Hammer’s.
Following graduation, Dennis enlisted in the Air Force from 1973 to 1976.
In 1980, Dennis suffered a pool accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors told him he had 5-7 years to live, and, in typical Dennis fashion, he proved them wrong by living another 45. He played wheelchair basketball for the Sioux Wheelers throughout the 80s and 90s and participated in several National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
Throughout his life, Dennis managed and owned many bars and was an active member of the South Dakota Liquor Retailers Association.
In more recent years, Dennis spent his time watching sports, classic reruns, and FOX news, playing cribbage, and spending time with friends and family. His garage was set up with his parents’ old bar from Athol and was fondly referred to as the Athol Bar. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and was known for hosting Dakota Wesleyan University Volleyball and Northwestern Wildcat watch parties in the Athol Bar. On Sundays, he regularly hosted a great group of friends at the Athol Bar to talk politics and watch whatever sport was in season. NASCAR season was the most popular, and he watched his favorite driver, William Byron (#24), beat Donnie Stahl’s favorite driver in the Goodyear 400 before he passed. He became a New York Yankees fan as a child, and they won the World Series 11 times during his life. He spent the last 30 years being disappointed by the Dallas Cowboys.
Dennis is survived by the best son he could ever ask for, Jesse (Christi) Weideman, his favorite athlete and granddaughter, Tya, and his best friend and grandson, Jackson; he is also survived by his siblings, Connie LaRoque, Gordon Weideman, and Donald (Shelly) Weideman; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Jean Weideman, his sister Vonnie Woodring, and his nephew Jacob Bierman.
Jesse and Christi wish to thank our family, friends, the community of Mellette, the VA, and Avera Hospice for all the support received during this difficult time. Dennis truly had a remarkable group of friends in his life, and we are grateful for your presence and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Post 151 Harris-Dennis of the American Legion in Mellette, SD, the Athol Cemetery, or the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).