Dennis R. Hood, 75, Sioux Falls, formerly from Dell Rapids, passed away at the Dougherty Hospice House on July 9, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. On-line condolences may be left at the Heritage Funeral Home website.
Dennis was born on 11/26/1941 to Dr. Thomas Robin and Philomene Hood in Lawrence, KS. He attended the University of Kansas and remained proud to be a ‘Jayhawk.’ He later joined the Air Force, serving as a Russian communications specialist. After his discharge he worked for the state of New York, transferring to South Dakota in 1971, where he served in the South Dakota State government. He later moved to the USGS’ EROS Data Center as a senior scientist. In his 30 years at the Center he was instrumental in helping scientists appreciate and apply technical information to real world issues. He retired in 2006.
He was married to Margot Stephen in 1964. In 1986 he married Joy (Sward) Peterson, Dell Rapids. In his life he loved family, friends, sailing, projects, good food, and motorcycling. He is survived by his mother, Philomene Hood (Williamsburg Landing, VA), wife, Joy Hood (Sioux Falls, SD), daughters, Brittany (Gary) Schmidt (Renner, SD), Kari (Jeremy) Schmidt (Saline, MI), a son, Aaron (Dayna) Peterson (Howard Lake, MN), two brothers, Dana Hood (Whitehall, MD), Doug (Diana) Hood (Cockeysville, MD), and 7 grandchildren, Kelly, Maggie, Erin, Alex, Carter, Kate, Elly, several nieces and nephews and a host of great friends.
A celebration of his life and our love of this good man will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Avera McKennan foundation attention Dennis Hood Honorarium. Contributions will be used to support the Parkinson’s physical therapy program.
Avera McKennan
Avera McKennan Foundation
1325 S. Cliff Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57105