Dennis Jorenby, 80, of Brookings, SD, passed away at home Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
Dennis was born Oct. 9, 1940, in Volga, SD to Oliver and Lydia (Stephen) Jorenby. He graduated from Volga High School. On May 29, 1959, he was united in marriage to Arlys Holvick, his high school sweetheart.
They began their married life in Downey, CA before moving back to SD where Dennis worked as a feed grinder and started a catering business. In 1962, they moved back to California, where Dennis worked for Knutson Creamery.
At age 23, Dennis purchased a Mobile Oil service station, becoming the youngest owner and dealer Mobile Oil had had to date. While on a pheasant hunting trip in 1972, he found the property at Lake Campbell, where he had first met Arlys roller skating, was for sale. Dennis expanded the property to include not only roller skating, but also camping, a snack shop, an ice cream shop, a gas and service station, and a market. In 1983, they moved back to California, where Dennis continued in the service station business. They returned to Lake Campbell in 1993 where Dennis kept busy as a mechanic, handyman, tree stump grinder, and backhoe operator.
The Jorenbys provided foster care for over 20 children during their nearly 62 year marriage, becoming empty nesters when Dennis was 77 years old.
At their 60th anniversary, he shared his secret to a successful marriage: “Always be kind.” His quick wit and wise cracks kept those around him smiling and laughing.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Arlys; their children, Shelly Thompson (Bob), Shawn Jorenby (Geraldine), Timothy Jorenby, Bethanny Shea (Jonathan); son-in-law Mark Druskoff; sister Marlene Landmans (Bill); 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; children Ronda Jorenby, Wade Jorenby, Gregory Jorenby, Paula Jorenby-Druskoff and Robert Jorenby; and two grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the Brookings Hospital staff for their collective kindness, exceptional care, and great compassion provided through the years.
Funeral services for Dennis Jorenby will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday Feb. 23, 2021, at Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Arlington, SD with Pastor Aaron Olson officiating. Burial will be in the Lake Campbell Lutheran South Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Calvary Free Lutheran Church on Tuesday.
