Dennis Looman

Visitation: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services: Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City.

Interment: Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post #1579.

Dennis Denny Milton Looman, age 69, of Miles City passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2010 in Miles City.

Denny was born in Plentywood, Montana on June 7, 1941, the son of William and Mildred (Brown) Looman. Denny attended schools in Plentywood and began working at the age of nine for the local pop factory. During his school years Denny was an avid athlete where he succeeded in high jump, basketball and started to rodeo at the age of 16. He qualified for the National High School Rodeo Finals in 1957. He moved to Miles City before joining the United States Army in 1961. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Miles City. Rodeo was Dennys life, especially his most famous ride on bucking bronc Jesse James in 1964. Dennys ride was the only qualifying ride on Jesse Jamesthat year. Denny was ranked in the nations top 10 bronc riders several times during his twenty year stint. Denny then began racing horses, winning the Quarter Horse Futurity in Miles City several times and also trained Wake Up Lil Suzie who won the first Consolation of the all American Futurity. In 1993, he opened his own computer store in Miles City along with being a federal meat inspector for over 30 years. In the early 90s Denny met the love of his life, business partner and best friend Linda, the two wed September 15, 1995. Denny and Linda continued to race horses and operate the computer store. After closing the computer store, Denny continued his dream of racing horses back east until the birth of their son Yanzie Lawrence on August 6, 2005. Yanzie was the light of Dennys life and the twinkle in his eye. He cherished every minute he had with Yanzie, riding horses, riding bikes, throwing balls, skateboarding and all the other things little boys love. Denny always said I have had a lot of success in my life, but none like having my son. Denny was inducted into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in January 2008. But most importantly, Denny came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior later in his life.

Denny is survived by his wife Linda Mehlhoff Looman of Miles City, MT; a son, Yanzie Looman of Miles City, MT; two sisters: Careen (Charlie) Fortner of Maryville, TN and Beth (Mike) Olson of Medicine Lake, MT; a brother, Gary Looman of Grand Marsh, WI;. Mother in law Lillian Mehlhoff, Twin Bridges MT; and two brothers in law Larry (Lisa) Mehlhoff of Sheridan, MT, and Lenny Mehlhoff of Twin Bridges, MT and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Ron and Eugene and father in law Lawrence.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday,September 29, 2010 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post #1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visitingwww.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Dennys son Yanzie at Community 1st FCU, Miles City, MT.