Dennis Hegg, 66, of Lake Madison died on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the St. John Lutheran Church in Madison. Interment will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Kahler Funeral Home in Dell Rapids. The family will be present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and there will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Dennis James Hegg was born on January 12, 1946 in Dell Rapids, the son of Agnes and Leonard Hegg. He graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1964, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in 1968, and his Master of Music Degree from the University of South Dakota in 1976.
Dennis married Barbara Johnson on August 19, 1967 at Waverly Lutheran Church of rural Trimont, MN. He was the director of bands at Dakota State University from 2001 until his retirement in 2009. Prior to that, he taught for 33 years in public schools at Baltic, Beresford, Dell Rapids, and Madison. His bands won numerous awards and his direction helped many students win awards and recognition. He instilled the love of music in thousands of high school students throughout his career.
Dennis was a former president and secretary-treasurer of the South Dakota Band Masters Association. In 2003, he was awarded the National Citation for Music by the National Federation of High Schools. In March of this year, he was inducted into the South Dakota Band Masters Hall of Fame.
Dennis was very active in the community, serving on the Madison School Board and president of the St. John Lutheran Church congregation in Madison. In 1995, he served as Master of Ceremonies for the Sioux Falls Municipal Band and became the director in 1996 and 1997. He directed church choirs, dozens of plays and musicals, and organized a gospel group in Beresford for which he sang, wrote songs, and played guitar. He was a charter member of the Optimist Club in Dell Rapids and held the office of District Lieutenant Gevernor.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Barbara of Lake Madison; his three sons, Jeremy, Jason (Shanna Apland), and Jonathon (Katie Ellwein), all of Sioux Falls; and one granddaughter, Allison of Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents.
To leave condolences, please visit www.kahlerfh.com.