George L. Tennyson passed away on December 9, 2023, at his residence in Rapid City.  He was born February 4, 1930, in Quinn, SD to Olaf and Kathryn Tennyson, the middle child of nine.  George grew up in the Quinn and Wasta area where he made many friends and many memories.

George entered the US Navy in 1951 where he served on a battleship during the Korean War. After returning from the Navy, he met his wife of 67 years, Marjorie Pascoe, of Wall, SD. They were married in 1956 and moved to Rapid City.

George was appointed as a Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Glen Best in 1956.  Within a year or two he was promoted to the Chief Deputy Sheriff position for Pennington County, where he served until 1969, at which time he received a presidential appointment as the United States Marshal for South Dakota.  George retired after 20 years of service with the US Marshals.  He then worked as an investigator for the Bangs, McCullen law firm in Rapid City for approximately 10 years and again retired.  Not content to sit around in retirement, he became a background investigator for the FBI.  After 20 years in this position, George finally retired for the last time at age 89, after more than 60 years in law enforcement and investigations.

In spite of his recent health issues, George persevered and moved forward in life, enjoying the company of his family and friends.  His greatest joy was visiting with people.

Anyone who knew George would agree that he was an exceptional storyteller.  His stories covered more than 90 years of history, including hardships during the Great Depression, the exploits of a kid working various jobs on the prairies near Quinn, SD from the age of 10 onward, a sailor in the Navy during the Korean War, his years in law enforcement and numerous other interesting adventures.  What amazed people about George's stories was that they were all true and that he recalled the dates and names of those involved in the stories, from his childhood onward.

George will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  As with the passing of anyone, the loss of his presence here with us is a pain that cannot be healed in this life.  George is no doubt in the middle of a great story with his friends and relatives that were awaiting him in heaven.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Marjorie Tennyson, Rapid City; son, Dave Tennyson, Mesa, AZ; daughter, Jane Tennyson, Black Hawk, SD; brother, Lyle Tennyson, of Hot Springs, SD; sisters, Joann Paulson, Rapid City, and Twila Koopman (Elmer), Ivanhoe, MN; grandchildren, Kelly Wiley (Ryan), and Kyle Koball, Rapid City; great grandchildren, Sophia Wiley and Mila Wiley, Rapid City; brother-in-law, Bernie King; sisters-in-law, Fran Tennyson and Shirley Tennyson, Rapid City as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Eugene "Jack" Tennyson and Gail Tennyson; sisters, Norma Williams, Marlene King and Ruby Flatt; sister-in-law, Lorainne Tennyson, brother-in-law, Marv Flatt; nephews, Norman Lee Merrill, Mike Tennyson, Jamie Flatt; niece, Vivian Bertelson.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 4500 Jackson Blvd., Rapid City, SD with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 6:00 p.m.  A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19 at the church.

Burial will take place at the Mt. Hope Cemetery near Quinn, SD.