Dennis Proffit, 79, of Garrison, ND, beloved husband, Dad, and Papa was called home to Heaven on April 9, 2023, from Alzheimer's and cancer. How beautiful he passed surrounded by his family on Easter, the day Jesus had risen. Heaven gained one of the best.

He was born October 16, 1943, in Brainerd, MN, to the late Dallas and Betty Proffit. He grew up working on the family farm at a young age. He and his brother woke up early every morning before school to milk the cows. Dennis graduated from Pine River High School in 1961. After graduation, he traveled throughout our great USA with a friend. Dennis went back home and started his first business, a minnow shop. We are not sure how many minnows were sold, but he sure had a good time. That summer he met the love of his life, Judy, at the Dairy Queen in Crosslake, MN, while also working at the gas station. This was the beginning of their love story, 60 years of marriage, and amazing life together. They married on February 16, 1963. From that union three children were born… Mark, Jackie and Debbie. He loved watching them grow up, drove and flew his plane thousands of miles to never miss an event or game, and was extremely proud of their successes.

Dennis and Judy moved to Gardiner, Montana, in 1963. They owned several businesses throughout the years (Northgate motel, Gardiner Movie Theatre, and Ski Doo Snowmobile Sales/Repair) in addition to their full-time jobs. Dennis worked various jobs in Yellowstone National Park, including making signs throughout all of Yellowstone and worked on the Snow Crew clearing roads with snowplows and bulldozers for the National Park Service. He then started his own very successful construction company, Proffit Construction. He built many of the homes and businesses in Gardiner including the Absaroka Lodge, Gardiner Market, Post Office and numerous jobs throughout Yellowstone National Park that included Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Old Faithful Inn. Dennis retired in 2000. Following retirement, Dennis and Judy purchased their lake home on Garrison Bay, Lake Sakakawea, in North Dakota in 2000 and made that their permanent home.

Dennis spent most of his life outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, camp, golf, fly his plane, snowmobile and take immaculate care of his home/yard. He fished almost every day during his retirement. He was a jack of all trades, and there was nothing he could not do or build. He worked hard and played hard. He had a profound love for animals, and they loved him. He built big, beautiful Purple Martin bird houses that fledged over 200 babies every year. He even ended up taking care of two peacocks that showed up in his yard one year.

Dennis and Judy sure knew how to throw a darn good party with amazing food and fun at their fish fries, pig roasts, and BBQs. They had an abundance of spectacular times and vacations with family and friends. Dennis enjoyed many memorable fishing trips to Canada. He was a card, known for funny story telling and his own version of nursery rhymes that would have you laughing until you cried. Dennis was an exceptional role model who epitomized hard work, honesty, integrity, selflessness, discipline, and respect. Those who knew him, respected and loved him.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his children, Mark (Mari) Proffit, Jackie (Tom) Pabian, Debbie (Mitch) Howe; grandchildren, Kenneth (Ashley) Bland, Samantha (Dustin) Taylor, Josh (Bethany) Proffit, Sydney and Corina Pabian; great grandchildren, Oaklynn Bland, Arthas Taylor, Noralynn Proffit; brother, Daryl Proffit (Mary Smith); numerous nieces and nephews; close buddy Paul (Lenore) Schlichting.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Betty Proffit; sister and brother-in-law Carol and John Dahl.

A celebration of life will be held this summer.