Denis Joseph Woslager, 73, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Rude’s Funeral Home. A liturgical wake service is at 6 p.m. Monday at Rude’s Funeral Home.

Denis J. Woslager was born on March 10, 1936, in Clearwater, Neb., the son of Albert and Rose (Venteicher) Woslager. He received his education in country school through the eighth-grade and graduated from Pierce High School in 1953.

In February 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army, and served as a mechanic on amphibious vehicles until he received his honorable discharge in February 1957.

During his time in the military, he received the Sharp Shooters Badge firing the M1 Rifle and also received the Good Conduct Medal.

Denis married Patricia Ann Robinson on Aug. 5, 1958, in Norfolk, Neb. After their marriage they lived in Norfolk until moving to Brookings in 1961.

Denis then owned and operated Den’s Apco Service. In 1978, he was employed at Sexauer Grain Company, and became the manager from 1984 until his retirement in 1991. After eight years of dedicated care by Denis, Patricia died on Nov. 23, 2001 after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

On Oct. 28, 2006, Denis married Janelle June Reuter.

His retirement years were spent in his yard, fishing and traveling. One of his greatest pleasures in life was staying involved with his family and grandchildren through a visit or a phone call.

He is survived by his wife, Janelle of Brookings; his children, Debra (Marvin) Privett of Brookings, James Woslager of Crofton, Neb., Randy (and his special friend Charity) Woslager of Lead; two brothers, Gerald (Darlene) Woslager of Pierce, Neb., and Ray (Judy) Woslager of Pierce, Neb.; two sisters, Rita (Bernie) Meurrens of Prescott, Ariz., and Beverly (Jack) Robinson of Mitchell; one brother-in-law, Marlin (Darlene) Reuter of Norfolk, Neb.; stepchildren, Brenda (Scott) Schroeder of Norfolk, Neb., and Rachel (Aaron) Arens of Norfolk, Neb.; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia, one brother, two sisters, one grandson, Adam Privett and one stepson, Brian.







Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.