Dennis “Denny” Schoffelman, 77, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. Memorial visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025, also at the funeral home.
Dennis Duane Schoffelman was born on September 26, 1948, to Oliver T. and Pearl (Johnson) Schoffelman in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Denny was considered a miracle baby, as his mother gave birth to him while in an iron lung. Denny grew up on a farm northwest of Hartford.
Denny attended grade school in a one room school house and then graduated from Hartford High School in 1966. After high school, Denny attended General Beadle State College in Madison, South Dakota for two years. In his later years, he attended the University of South Dakota, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business.
In September of 1966, Dennis met the love of his life, Susan Marie Machmiller, and they were united in marriage on January 31, 1969, in Sioux Falls. They were able to spend 56 wonderful years together. They were blessed with their son, Jeff, in August of 1969, who became a hunting, fishing, and all-around best friend to Denny. In their later years, Denny and Sue were able to travel, with trips to Canada seeing friends and to sightsee.
Dennis’ career was surrounded by maintenance work. He spent 10 years with Dakota Bi-Products, 10 years with New Zealand Milk Plant, 10 years with the City of Sioux Falls, and 7 years with First Rate Excavating, where he built computer programs for bidding jobs as the safety director.
Dennis found solitude in hunting, fishing, reloading, and teaching others. He was always up for a good story or a game of cribbage.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Jeff (Kristy) Schoffelman; grandson, Peter Fischer; and brother, Ronald (Patricia) Schoffelman, all of Sioux Falls. He also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces; and his beloved dog, Colt.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver T. and Pearl; step-mother, Darlene; and his wife, Susan.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.