Dennis D. Gifford "Giff", 71, of Rapid City died on Friday, March 25, 2016 at his home.

He was born on December 26, 1944 in Huron to Kenneth and Evelyn (Halbur) Gifford.

Giff joined the U.S. Air Force in 1965. He proudly served his country and his career took him to Hawthorne, NV where he met his wife of 47 years and served in Vietnam, Mather AFB, CA, Turkey, Hahn Germany and Ellsworth AFB, where he retired as a SMSGT in 1991 after 26 years of dedicated service. Upon his retirement, Giff attended National American University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Emphasis in Information Technology.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge #1187, T.R.E.A. Chapter 29 and the American Legion Post 22. Giff was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed downhill snow skiing, waterskiing, golfing, hunting and a lifetime Vikings fan.

Giff will be remembered as a patriot and dedicated husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Paquerette (Daisy), Rapid City, his mother, Evelyn Gifford, Rapid City, his daughter, Belinda (Ron) Langendoerfer, Omaha, NE, his son, James (Dee) Gifford, Omaha, NE, Granddaughter Brittany Langendoerfer, and three step grandsons, a brother, Kenneth (Beatrice) Gifford, Rapid City.

Giff was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth K. Gifford and Grandson Kenneth J. Gifford

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on Monday, March 28, 2016 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Dan and Barb Gammeter officiating. Inurnment of his ashes will take place at 12:00pm at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military honors by the United States Air Force and TREA Chapter 29.