Dennis Fewless

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 9, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday, April 8, at Parkway Funeral Service. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM. 

Inurnment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck, ND, at a later date.

Dennis “Denny” was born on August 4, 1950, in Reed City, Michigan, to Ray Fewless Junior and Carolyn (Wallace) Fewless.  He was the eldest of their three children and spent his early years on the Water Valley Farm (family farm) in LeRoy, Michigan. 

It is here that he learned the value of family, faith, and fortitude.  These values would carry with him throughout life and sustain him through obstacles and achievements.  Growing up in a rural setting, Dennis enjoyed all that the outdoors could offer.  This included hunting, fishing on nearby Little Hogback Lake, snowmobiling, swimming, hauling bales and milking cows. He also enjoyed sports, particularly baseball, basketball, and track.  His love for the outdoors and a job opportunity brought him west to North Dakota in April 1975.  He loved the rolling plains and the Badlands of North Dakota; but would always comment, “where are the trees?” 

His employment as an environmental sanitarian, with the North Dakota Department of Health, allowed him the freedom to continue enjoying the outdoors.  It was during this period he met the love of his life, Lydia (Duletski) Fewless.  There were married in Bismarck, on October 8, 1977, at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary.  In 1984, Dennis decided to pursue a master’s degree in public administration at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana.  It was there they were blessed with a daughter, Theresa Renae, who was born on March 22, 1985.  Dennis returned to the North Dakota Department of Health and worked as a program supervisor and assistant director of the Water Supply and Pollution Control Division.  In 1990, he was named Director of the Division of Water Quality. 

Dennis earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental health from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan, and did additional coursework in environmental management at the University of Southern California.  Dennis served as co-chairman of the North Dakota Non-Point Source Task Force Committee, co-chairman of the Souris River Bilateral Monitoring Group, and a member of the board of directors of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Agencies.  

Dennis retired in 2014 and pursued other interests, including outdoor adventures and travel to his “bucket list” destinations.  He traveled with family and friends to Australia and New Zealand, Christmas in New York City, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Glacier National Park, Qatar, Dubai, Iceland, and went salmon fishing in Alaska.   He always enjoyed returning home to North Dakota and going back to his childhood roots in Michigan.  “It is always nice to go; but sure is nice to be home” he would often say.  Every fall, he would gear up for pheasant and deer hunting. More recently, he and Lydia would hit the big water of Lake Sakakawea for days of exciting walleye fishing.  He often caught his limit and loved telling fishing tales.  

Dennis was always generous with his knowledge and wisdom.  He was an organizer that spearheaded many projects and activities.  His generosity and empathy are a lasting legacy of love and devotion to his wife, daughter, family, and friends.  He is survived by his loving wife, Lydia, and his cherished daughter, Theresa.  He also leaves behind his brother, Gary, of LeRoy, Michigan; sister, Jeannie Booher and her husband Garry of Marion, Michigan; brother-in-law Tony (Mary) Duletski of Bowman, North Dakota; brother-in-law, John (Nancy) Duletski of Dickinson, North Dakota; and sister-in-law, Bernice Duletski of Bismarck, North Dakota.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Carolyn Fewless.

Memorials can be made online to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Minneapolis, MN, or mailed to 2500 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

 I know that weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. 

                                                       Psalm 30:5