Dennis Carter Haven
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Dennis C. Haven, 74, of Brentford, SD passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. His wife and three children surrounded him with love on his walk home with Jesus.
Visitation, with family present, will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 22, 2021, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield, SD. His memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Mike Kampa and Reverend Jon Damaska officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at the Mellette Cemetery in Mellette, SD.
Masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home. For those unable to wear or are uncomfortable with masks, as well as those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed to the funeral home's website. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home. (www.hykefuneralhome.com)
Dennis Carter Haven was born June 27, 1946, in Aberdeen, SD to Maurice and Elaine (Olson) Haven. He grew up on the family farm near Turton, SD. Dennis attended country school through 5th grade, then went to Brentford School and graduated in 1964. Throughout his high school years, he played basketball and football, participated in FFA, and achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.
Dennis started farming at a young age. When he was 14 years old, he traveled to work with his first custom harvesting crew to Montana. This first adventure inspired him to strike out on his own at age 18, investing in his own combine and truck, which started his harvesting career. Dennis followed the wheat harvest each summer from Texas to South Dakota, not missing a season for 60 years. All the harvest crews and customers became life-long friends and are considered farm family.
Dennis married Rita M. Murray on October 1, 1966. Dennis and Rita raised their three children, Jarrod, Jill, and Jeremy, and lived their entire married life in the Brentford area. He worked hard to build and grow his farming business. His farm and his family were the two loves of his life.
Dennis was a lifetime member of the Brentford UCC Church, serving on the church board in different capacities. He was a member of the Brentford volunteer fire department for many years. He was recognized as the Outstanding Young Farmer in 1977 for exceptional progress in agriculture and contributions to the community.
Among the many activities they enjoyed together and with their friends were bowling leagues, card club, family vacations, annual ski trips, and winter get-away seed trips to warm and sunny locations. Dennis also enjoyed cross-country adventures with Rita on his motorcycle.
Dennis lived his life in the fast lane. Interests in snowmobile racing and downhill ski racing transitioned to dirt track car racing, which became his favorite hobby and brought him many close friendships over the years.
Dennis' determination, lifetime of hard work, and love of his land and family will remain his lasting legacy.
Dennis is survived by his wife Rita; his children: Jarrod (Tamra) Haven of Brentford; Jill Haven (Andrew) Williamson of Austin, TX; and Jeremy (Laura) Haven of Brentford; grandchildren: Jarret, Jace, Justin, and Jarren Haven; Grant, Owen, John, and Bennett Williamson; and Joclyn, Ella, Ashley, and Lilly Haven; and his siblings: Terry (Pam) Haven of Britton, SD and Darlene (Steve) Jankord of Fort Mill, SC; as well as many nieces and nephews and special dog, Gibbs.
He was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Elaine Haven; son Anthony Jon Haven; and granddaughters, Gracen and Maria.