HOT SPRINGS | Dennis R. Papendick, 67, died Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at the Rapid City Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

He was born August 22, 1950, in Brookings to Herbert A. and Joyce R. (Solhjem) Papendick. Dennis graduated from Pierre High School in 1969 and from Moorhead State College in 1972, with a degree in business.

Dennis had a great love of history. He worked as a curator at the Pioneer Museum (the Old Schoolhouse) in Hot Springs for 38 years, and played an integral part in contributing to the improvements of the museum over the years. Dennis' real passion was for railroad history, collecting many antique railroad items such as lanterns, padlocks and books. He was a regular attendee of rummage sales throughout the Black Hills over the years. Dennis also worked part time for a professional cleaning company.

He had a great love for animals, especially dogs, since he was a young boy.

Dennis will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his Mother, Joyce Papendick, Rapid City; his sister, Eileen (Tom) Armstrong, Omaha, NE; his two brothers, Steve Papendick, Hot Springs and Randy (Linda) Papendick, Rapid City; nephew, Jon (Jess) Armstrong, Papillion, NE; and nieces, Julie (John) Frazer, Lincoln, NE, and Laura Papendick, Rapid City.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a future date.

A memorial has been established by the family.