Deanne Wenzel, 87, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by the love of her children. Her life was defined by devotion to her family, a commitment to caring for others, and a feisty, good-natured stubbornness that will forever bring a smile to those who knew her.

Born in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Bill and Mary (Volz) Steilen, Deanne was the youngest of three children raised on a farm near Farmer, South Dakota—a humble upbringing without electricity or indoor plumbing that shaped her lifelong grit and work ethic. She went on to become valedictorian of Farmer High School and earned her nursing degree from Presentation Nursing School in Sioux Falls in 1958.

Deanne began her nursing career in Chamberlain, South Dakota, where she met Darrel Wenzel, a camera operator for KELOLAND television, at a local American Legion dance. Their love for dancing sparked a partnership that spanned more than 60 wonderful years.

In 1970, Deanne and Darrel settled in Redfield, South Dakota, where they raised their five children: Daniel, Doreen, Debbie, Darla, and Doug. Never one to slow down, Deanne balanced her busy home life with further education, earning her Physician Assistant degree from the University of North Dakota in 1978. Over her dedicated career, she served patients at Redfield State Hospital and the local public hospital before moving to Rapid City in 1995, where she worked with Custer State Hospital and a Pennington County health clinic until her retirement in 2006.

Throughout her life, family was Deanne’s priority. When her daughter Darla battled cancer, Deanne and Darrel relocated to Austin, Texas, for a year to care for Darla and her young granddaughter, Maiya. Time and again, Deanne stepped up as a pillar of strength during family health crises, providing care and comfort to her daughter-in-law Diana and other loved ones in their time of need.

In retirement, she and Darrel enjoyed golfing, traveling with dear friends, and visiting their ten grandchildren across the country. At home, Deanne was famous for her homemade rolls, donuts, and noodles—cherished recipes she lovingly passed down through the generations. She also found joy in quilting, crocheting, and sharing quiet moments with her dear friend Mary Berg.

Following a severe head injury in 1996, Deanne lived with profound vertigo for nearly 30 years. Despite numerous falls and fractures, her unstoppable spirit and fierce independence never wavered, keeping her active and self-reliant until her final months. Her family will forever treasure her sharp humor, her signature expressions of “shut up!” and “hogwash!”, and her unforgettable spunk.

Following Darrel’s passing in 2023, Deanne moved to Dallas in 2024 to be near her son Dan.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrel; her daughter, Darla; her daughter-in-law, Diana; her parents, Bill and Mary Steilen; and her siblings, Darlene and Donald.

She is survived and remembered with immense love by her children: Daniel, Doreen, Debbie, and Doug; son-in-law Al and daughter-in-law Stasha; her ten grandchildren: Everett, Justus, Julia, Kim, Jakir, Justine, Josh, Maiya, Aria, and Evelyn; and her great-grandsons: Leon, Julian, and Darrel.

Deanne leaves behind a lasting legacy of resilience, generosity, and fierce love. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Black Hills Works, an organization that provides services to adults with developmental disabilities.