RAPID CITY - Captain Dennis C. Schaar, known affectionately as "Denny" to his friends and family, passed away on Monday December 16th, 2024, in Rapid City, SD.  A man of unwavering integrity, kindness, and adventure, Denny lived a life full of service, camaraderie, and dedication to those around him.

Born in Rapid City, SD on March 27th, 1941, to Alfred and Alleyne Schaar (Matson), Denny was the first of three children.  While he did spend a few years of his youth living in Omaha, Nebraska, his roots were always firmly planted in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.  It was from those roots that the foundation for the life he lived, the adventures undertaken and lessons he instilled in all those around him blossomed and grew.

After graduating from Rapid City High School in 1959 and Black Hills State College in 1964, Denny was hired as a flight instructor with Pan American World Airways in 1964, and in 1966 he was hired as a Pilot with Eastern Airlines.  As fate would have it, during his initial training he met Kathryn (Kathy) Pavich, a flight attendant for TWA, on a cross-continent flight.  They were married in Alexandria, Virginia in 1968, and after several years in the Washington, DC area, they settled just outside Atlanta, Georgia, where Eastern Airlines' largest hub was located.

Their first son, Dan, was born in 1977, and their second son, Matt, arrived 4 years later in 1981.  In 1982, Denny brought his young family "home" to Rapid City, which allowed him to balance his career, his passion for the outdoors, and his commitment to public service.   As a Captain for Eastern Airlines and later for United Airlines, he enjoyed a distinguished career with a perfect safety record.  Flying was more than a career for Denny; it was a calling that allowed him to experience the beauty of the world while embodying the highest standards of professionalism and skill.

Denny was also deeply committed to his community. He was an active participant and leader in the Rapid City Downtowns Lions Club, the Naja Shrine Club, and Westminster Presbyterian Church for over forty years. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his public service and philanthropy in Rapid City, and he was generous with his time and energy in supporting local initiatives and improving the lives of others. Whether organizing fundraisers, volunteering, or lending a helping hand, he believed in making the world a better place through action and service. After retiring from United Airlines in 2001, he devoted more time to his public service efforts and served multiple terms as the President of the Rapid City Lions Club, President of the Rapid City Shrine Club, and as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Denny also was an avid outdoorsman, and many of his closest friendships were forged in partnership with others who did. Whether deep-sea fishing in Alaska, catching trout in Rapid Creek, or staking out elk in Idaho, Denny was a reliable companion and an excellent shot up into even his latter years in life. Rumor has it that his favorite birthday and Christmas gifts – aside from visits from his sons and grandkids - were Cabela's gift cards, enabling him to try out new wares to help him brave even the nastiest winter conditions while on a pheasant hunt.

He and Kathy enjoyed their Golden Years by traveling and visiting their boys, and he was always a source of wisdom, laughter, and strength for Dan and Matt. The lessons he instilled in them will forever be cherished, and his steadfast guidance left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Denny is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathy, his children Dan and Matt, their wives Monique and Stephanie, and his three wonderful grandchildren, Carly, Philip, and Arden.  We will miss him dearly. His legacy of hard work, compassion, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

A Masonic Memorial will be at held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Westminster Church in Rapid City. A service to celebrate Denny's life at will follow at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in his honor.

Fly high, Captain. Your journey has been completed, and your memory will remain forever cherished.