Hysham, Montana native Dennis A. Van Hemelryck, 63, died October 8th at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, Montana. He was born January 14, 1957 to Robert and Lucille Van Hemelryck in Miles City, Montana. He attended Hysham Public Schools through high school. He then worked for Manning International followed by J.B. Grierson Company. He married Debra Unterseher in 1980 and settled on the family’s farm and ranch near Hysham where they raised their two daughters, Erin and Megan. Dennis worked for the family’s farm and ranch until it sold in 2008. He continued his farming journey working for Asay Farms until 2020. During that time, his wife Debra passed away. In 2012, he met Rita Rasmussen who he married in 2020. He spent his final working days learning a new trade with Williams Construction.
Dennis loved working with his hands and was always tinkering on a project. He was a great mechanic and truly enjoyed helping others. He was always in the mood for a good conversation, and his small-town living gave him ample opportunity to catch up with his many friends. Dennis was not a fan of travel but found a joy in it during his time with Rita. They were able to take many trips together that he otherwise may not have taken.
Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Debra and his parents. He is survived by his wife Rita, his daughters Erin (Kurt) Beason of Tempe, AZ and Megan (Damion) Metcalf of Hysham, his brothers Myles (Judi) of Helena and Martin (Sally) of Hysham, his sister Julie (Chris) Susemihl of Grand Junction, Colorado, and his grandchildren Abel and Sidney Metcalf. Dennis is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice.
Dennis Van Hemelryck, age 63, of Hysham
January 14, 1957 – October 8, 2020
Larry & Vicky Fink says
Terribly sorry to hear this. We just had the nicest conversation with Dennis and congratulated him on his marriage to Rita. If we can do anything to help, please let us know. All of you will be in our thoughts. Take care.
Heather Nelson says
Rita, so sad to hear about Dennis. May you be comforted in your memories together. Prayers for you and all of the family.
Heather & Scott Nelson
Carolyn Kimball says
So very sorry to see that Dennis has passed away. I enjoyed his soft spoken mannerisms and that wonderful smile. Peace and comfort to his family.
Louise Fenner says
I’m so very sorry. I wish I had known Dennis better as a cousin. It sounds like he had many friends, and I know he had a wonderful immediate and extended family. Sending love to all.
Janiece Adams says
Megan,Erin,Rita Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a wonderful,happy,great friend and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His smile and wonderful laugh will be missed also. If I can be of any help, please let me know. I know Dennis would do the same for me. Love to each and every one of your families
Dan and Susan Story says
I didn’t spend a lot of time with Dennis, but you didn’t have to to know how good of a person he was. He was always kind and joyful. He will truly be missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
TaCele Quale says
My prayers and thoughts to all of you . Dennis was always smiling. So sorry
John Hersrud says
This saddens my heart, when growing up Dennis was the nicest person to me, a real adult role model.
sharon cope says
Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Jean(DeCock) Hanich says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Although I did not know Dennis very well even tho he was family, I had such a nice visit with him at the rancher school a couple years ago. He was so like his Dad. So sad to die so young.
Melissa Fitch (Poffenberger) says
I am so saddened to hear this. I spent a lot of my days growing up with the Van Hemelrycks and enjoyed every minute. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Dee Hert says
Dennis was one great guy, loved by many.
So many happy thoughts of growing up in Hysham.
Blessings and prayers to his family and friends.
Ralph Poffenberger says
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you
Vivian (Smith) Beam says
I never had the opportunity to know Dennis very well, but remember him as always pleasant with a smile on his face and a kind word. My heart goes out to all of you, especially my classmate Martin. Sending my love, Viv
Colette Butcher says
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. Cherish all your wonderful memories.
COLIN/JUDY MCPHAIL says
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DENNIS’S PASSING. THINKING OF YOUR FAMILY AND OFFERING UP PRAYERS TO YOU. TO YOUNG TO BE GONE,
Gary & Sandy says
As I write this in tears
For so many years
We remained friends
I didn’t know this would be the end
We’ll see you again my friend..
From me, your family and friends
We’ll see you again
Teresa (Rhodes) Foos says
So sad to hear of Dennis’s passing, know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Charles DeCock says
My heart goes out to all of Dennis’s family! Our paths never crossed near often enough but when they did we would always have a good visit and try to catch up on family and happening! My prayers go out to all the family. He is for sure in a much better place but will dearly be missed by all who knew him! Love and peace!
Karen Sable (Kimball) says
Rita, Megan and family, Erin and Kurt, Myles and family, Martin and family, Julie and family: thoughts and prayers for God’s comfort to surround you during this difficult time. Our memories of Dennis and all that was so genuine about him will be our saving grace. He definitely will always have a special place in my heart and I can hear that laugh and see the twinkle in his eye.
Marjorie Burch says
Rita, Megan, Erin & Kurt and the entire family. So sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great guy! Prayers for all.
Vicki Hert says
So sorry to hear. Dennis was sweet, kind and gentle. And what a great smile!
Kaylene Hauck (Kimball) says
Dennis will always be one of my favorite cousins. I smile thinking of him now! We could go years between visits but still have a relaxed genuine conversation. I always admired him for that. His smile, laugh, humor, kindness and quiet manner: these are what I lovingly remember. Prayers for comfort and healing to all the family.
Jo May says
I will miss knowing that when I come home to Hysham for visits that Dennis will not be there for a chat. He was such a great friend. We had great conversations and I enjoyed that smile. Such a positive person and a good influence in my life. My sympathy to all of the family.
Scott & Angeline Kimball says
We’ve been thinking of Dennis and all of his family this weekend. We are keeping all of you in our prayers. I will always remember his smile and laugh. We’ll miss you cousin. May you rest in peace. Prayers to all of you.
Mary (Ottoy) Snell says
My deepest sympathies to Dennis’ family. Prayers to you all.
Joleen Darlington Williams says
My heart is broken for you all. Dennis was always so sweet to me over the years. So hard to believe he is gone from us. I wish I could be with you on Friday to say good-bye to him. Please know that I will be with you in spirit – Sending each of you my love, hugs, sympathy, and prayers.
Bob & Joy Moerkerke says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Van Hemelryck family. We will definitely miss Dennis for sure but he left a wonderful mark on our little community and on each of us that had the privilege to know him. He was a true country gentleman and the kind of person that could give you a boost with his gentle words of wisdom and quick wit or just make you feel good with a firm handshake and bright smile. It is his smile that brings joy to our hearts knowing he is at peace in heaven with our Lord. Hugs to you all.❤️—Bob & Joy Moerkerke
Jeani Martin says
MYLES MARTIN AND JULIE
WHAT A BUMMER.! 63 IS TOO YOUNG TO GO
BUT WHO CAN UNDERSTAND GODS TIMING
IN BRINGING US HOME.
TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS
TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD
WE DO NOT ACTUALLY DIE
OUR SPIRIT JUST PASSES FROM HERE TO THERE.
AND AS BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST WE WILL ALL GET TOGETHER AGAIN FOR ETERNITY.
Maribeth Braaksma says
I was just on this site, as I saw that another cousin of mine on Dads side of the family had passed away. As I was scrolling down to send them a note, I saw that Dennis had passed away.
I am so sorry and saddened. My heart and prayers go out to all of you in this very difficult time.
Maribeth Martin Braaksma
Bob & Pam Holland says
Rita and family,
Our hearts are breaking for you. Cherish the wonderful memories that you have. May the Lord wrap his arms around you all and help you get through the next few days and the coming months. Please know that we will keep you in our hearts and our prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Bob & Pam Holland
Debi Rapstad says
I was so sorry to hear about Dennis. My sincere condolences to your family.
Melinda Tangen says
Dear Rita, My condolances to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Gordon Criswell says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Skip and Pam White says
Dennis was a hard working man of integrity. He will long be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family