Marvin Denke

Marvin Denke, age 81, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Silverleaf Assisted Living Center in Philip.

Marvin Vernice Denke was born December 30, 1939 to Reinhold and Rose (Helms) Denke. He was born in a bobsled on the way to Quinn, South Dakota, and was the sixth child out of eleven children to be born to the Denkes. Marvin was introduced to a bucket and milk stool at the age of five. When he was six, he had to ride behind his big sister to school on horseback which was a letdown for this little cowboy. Marvin attended 1st grade at Geigle School. He started riding bareback and bulls at rodeos at 14 years old and later got his pilot license when he was 16. Marvin flew a spray plane for awhile.

Marvin attended Big White School for the rest of his grade school years and then Wall High School. After his schooling, Marvin attended Lakeside Tech School in Watertown and while he was there worked for farmers and ranchers in that area. In 1957 Marvin joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Sharon V. Szarkowski when home on furlough, and to this union were born two children Charity Jane and Marvin "Robin" Denke. After his military service Marvin went to work for Peter Keywit and Sons on interstate 90 and the titan and minuteman sites. He worked at his father-in-law Cliff Szarkowski’s auto mechanic shop. Later Marvin had his own shop called Dusty’s Repair.

Marvin moved to Philip to work for the Bad River rural water line. While in Philip he was introduced to and later married Betty Lou Brotherton.

Marvin worked for the Haakon County water department and also at Baye & Sons as a mechanic. Later he went to work for South Dakota Highway Department where he worked for 20 years before leaving there and going to work at CHS in Philip for 11 years.

Marvin attained a lifetime membership with the American Legion Post #173, 40 & 8, Disabled Veterans, and the Moose Club. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and gardening. Marvin also won two proud angler awards in his lifetime.

Survivors include one daughter Charity (Doug) Keierleber of Newcastle, Wyoming; one son Robin Denke of Rapid City; their mother Sharon Denke Green of Rapid City; a step-son John (Wendy) Brotherton of Pierre; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty on August 29, 2015; his parents; three sisters Gay Logan, Loretta Brindlinger, and Cerella Overgaard; and seven brothers Richard, Wesley, Linden, Herman, Donald, Leland, and Byron Denke.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to service time on Monday at the Legion Hall.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 1, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment with military honors will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

 Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.