Dennis Dean Murray, 69, of Frankfort, SD, died Monday, June 13, 2011 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. Dennis was cremated and his memorial service will be Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Reverend Brian Wasmoen will officiate. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Dennis was born April 23, 1942 in Canova, SD to Albert and Dorothy (Erickson) Murray. In 1952, the family moved to Amherst, SD. Dennis graduated from Amherst High School in 1960. He enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard and served for seven years. Dennis married Karen Kristofferson, of Langford, in 1964. Together they had three children, Chad, Jason and Erik. Dennis was an automobile mechanic for forty years, working in Ellendale, ND and in the Black Hills area. In 1994, they moved to Frankfort and Dennis worked at Schroeder Motors. He retired in 2005 and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Dennis will be remembered for his good sense of humor and visiting and joking around with everyone. He was always there if anyone needed help. He truly loved life and will be forever missed by everyone.

Dennis is survived by his wife Karen of Frankfort; his sons: Chad (Rebecca) Murray of Burbank, CA; Jason (Amy Ausmus) Murray of Redfield; and Erik Murray of Aberdeen, SD. His life was enriched by their four grandchildren: Jordan, Taylor and the twins, Camden and Dylan. He is also survived by his sister Lois (Roger) Severson of Pierpont, SD and his brother Kenneth (Debby) Murray of Claremont, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Leo and Jerry.