ROCKHAM, SD  – Dennis C. “Ralph” Mutsch, 81, of Rockham, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in Aberdeen.
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Faulkton, with Fr. John Short presiding, with military honors. Burial will follow at a later date at the Miranda Cemetery.
Dennis Charles Mutsch was born January 30, 1943, in Madelia, MN to Ralph and Dorothea (Metz) Mutsch. He came to South Dakota at the age of three with his parents so Ralph could take over the Fred and Clara Metz farm after Fred passed away suddenly. This farm is the current homestead by Miranda, where Dennis lived ever since.
Dennis attended country school near the farm by Miranda until his freshman year when he began attending Faulkton High School, graduating with the class of 1961. After high school, Dennis attended Spring College (University of South Dakota of Springfield) for three years where he majored in mechanics, until his third-year majoring in general education.
In 1964 he joined the United States Army and was based in Germany for three years. He returned to Springfield College for a semester until his father Ralph had a heart attack. Dennis then took the farm over in Miranda, where he raised grain and livestock. He loved working on the farm until the day he died.
On December 27, 1969, Dennis married Linda Malsom, his wife of 55 years. They had three children: Craig, Kevin, and Roxanne. While on the farm, he returned to Northern College to finish his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts which was important to him. However, the farm was where his true passion lay.
Dennis served on many boards throughout his lifetime including the Centerville Township Board, Missouri Valley Insurance Board, Miranda Cemetery Board, and Faulkton Farmers Elevator Board. His strong work ethic, intelligence, and attention to detail made him an asset to all the boards he served on.
One of Dennis’s favorite things was sports as you would always see him at games. He never missed his grandkid’s sporting events and enjoyed the social aspect as well. He also loved hunting and the strong relationships he built with family and friends. He formed these strong relationships with the hunters during the fall season. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and kept in touch with friends and classmates from school.
Dennis is survived by Linda Mutsch, his wife of 55 years; his children: Craig Mutsch (Tomelyn Taylor) of Faulkton, Kevin Mutsch (Peg Speck) of Faulkton, and Roxanne (Jared) Woodring of Athol; grandchildren: Kailyn Mutsch, Jade and Dade Monroe, and Lincoln and Isabelle Woodring; and his brother-in-law, Craig Johnson.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents: Ralph and Dorothea Mutsch; and a sister, Louise Johnson.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Dennis’ arrangements.

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