Dennis Harold Sheline was born to Betty and Harold Sheline in South Gate, California on February 10, 1944. He was raised in nearby Downey, where he graduated from Warren High School with what were to be lifelong friends.
Dennis attended and graduated from college at Long Beach State. Going to work immediately at North American Rockwell he met and married his first wife, Nancy Wyman. Attracted to skiing, hunting, rafting, fishing, enjoying nature and drinking beer he kept true to his dream to live in Big Sky country and they moved to Helena, Montana, shortly thereafter.
He took a job with the State Department, beginning his work with the highway department and moving on to a career in computer programming. Dennis’ greatest reward was the birth of daughter Laura and son Bill. The family split and Dennis married Barb Froelich and together they raised his children, shared an uncommon love for their many German Shepherds, foreign exchange students, foster children and built three houses together…the favorite of which is his present home in Clancy.
After Barb’s passing, Dennis was introduced to Joan Christopher, the woman who enveloped him in a 24/7 supply of unconditional love. Unfortunately they only had 4 short years together, but they were packed full of love, happiness, safety, fun and peace. This allowed them to both grow with each other in ways neither had experienced before.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Jim Sheline and numerous family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Joan Sheline and her wonderful family; his sister, Anita and husband, Joseph Gaytan of California, his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Sheline and family of Michigan; his daughter, Laura and sons Tanner and Chase of Ohio; his son Bill and his wife, Deb and children Levi and Joey of Washington state; his high school reunion group of 50+ years and his loving friends, co-workers and golf buddies right here in Helena.
On behalf of Dennis, his family would like to thank the awesome team from St. Peter’s Hospice, his friend, Randy Wilke, and staff from Anderson, Stevenson and Wilke funeral home and the many friends who responded to Dennis’ needs at a mere phone call. You all helped make a difficult process easier.
Please join us Wednesday, July 29th at 3:30 pm as we celebrate Kidd’s life at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena. A reception will follow immediately after at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies at 1326 S. Colorado Blvd, Ste 2048, Denver, CO 80222 or Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 29, 2015
St. Paul's United methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of His life
Wednesday July 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 29, 2015
St. Paul's United methodist Church
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Celebration of His life
Wednesday July 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sue says
Joan – I am so sorry to hear this. I hope all the great memories you have will keep you going through this difficult time. Dennis – rest in peace.
sharlene stav says
Everyone here at Bridger veterinary sends our love and prayers. Dennis was a wonderful man and we know that he will greatly missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Sandi Benson says
Our hearts are heavy knowing our good friend has left us. We are so thankful to have so many wonderful memories. Dennis was and exceptional person and friend. He will be greatly missed. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you Dennis! “God Bless”
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Loved Ones of Dennis, My sincere condolences for your loss. My memories go back to the 60’s & 70’s & all the fun times with the Sheline family, the State Hwy bunch (U know who U R), house parties, motorcycles, BBQ’s, Lake Side & many more. “Kid Sheline” was one of the leaders of the Pac. So Long Kid & Blessings to you. Evy
Deb Sheline says
One memory I have to share about my father-in-law, Dennis, is the one time I was able to get him to laugh at something I said to him, which was also the day the ice was broken between the two of us. He came to visit Bill and I and we were sitting down having a nice dinner that he so graciously cooked for us. I wanted the table to look beautiful in order to impress him, but me being an old farm girl from Minnesota, never had a nice table cloth. Fortunately, I had something that resembled a nice lace tablecloth. As we were eating, I had to fess up and tell him it was really a curtain. We both just started laughing. I will miss you Dennis.
Buddy and Marnette Phillips says
Dennis was such a funny, sweet guy. We’re lucky to have known him and experienced his great wit and sarcasm. Sending live and light!
Ron Heilman says
Friends are something we all treasure. I will always be grateful for the friendship Dennis and I had. One of his greatness joys was to help someone in need. Whether it was fixing a flat tire, wiring someone’s house or making a set of golf clubs he was always there. Dennis’s precious soul will always live in our memories and smiles. So long to a good friend and golfing partner. Thanks Kidd for all the good times!
Clyde and Eileen Lindell says
Our deepest sympathy Joan and to Dennis’ family. May all your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Dave Johnson says
Dennis was instrumental in the beginnings of my career in State Government. He was a great mentor and teacher! I will always be greatful! And the Kidd Invitational annual Golf tourneys… GREAT memories!
Karen Houston. says
Joan and family: I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. It was so great to see you two and see such love and happiness. He was truly a remarkable man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
john reddy says
Dennis was a great guy and one of our original “golf buddies!” He never wasted time on the golf course. If you blinked, you would miss seeing his shot! He was always Mr. Cool to me with his Grizzly cart, Hawian shirt and sandals. Rest in peace my friend.
Anita Sheline says
I am so proud of you. For selfish reasons, I hated when you left California but you lived your life your way. And you found your own family in Montana with all the lives you touched and those that touched you. It was an honor to be a part of your service, to hear the wonderful stories that were shared about you, and to see you finally have found true love with Joan. You picked the right one. She was a caregiver extrordinaire because of the love she shared with you. And I know your love impacted her. It brought me such peace. I will be looking for God whispers you will be sending me to let me know you are around me. I am going to miss you so very much, especially with football season just beginning, Dad’s 50 year anniversary will be coming up in 2016…maybe I will make it to a Packer’s game. Can you help them and my Trojans win this year? I will still be calling you to discuss the games that are played on the weekends. You were not just my brother but my friend. I will miss you, but you will remain in my heart until I see you again. I am not in a hurry for that moment but please be there to greet me. I have always loved you and especially enjoyed our last years of your life. Can you tell I don’t want to say good-bye? So I am not going to!
Diane Angelot Rose says
Dearest Joan, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My prayers are with you in this most difficult time.
I have been trying to find you to keep in touch. Please feel free to email when when you feel up to it.
Mike McCracken says
My mentor and my friend. Miss you bud.