HUEPPELSHEUSER, Dennis

1943 – 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mr. Dennis Merlin Hueppelsheuser of Lacombe County, on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre at the age of 82 years. Dennis was born in Lacombe, Alberta on March 31, 1943, but was brought home by parents, Merlin and Verna to be raised amongst the large extended Hueppelsheuser clan south and east of Bentley. Graduating from Bentley High School, he took a few detours on the way to a firm decision to be a full-time ag entrepreneur-farmer, but the first purchase of land was the commitment. Every busy farmer needs a wife and that need was fulfilled when he married Linda Hudd on June 29, 1966. They were married at St. Andrews United Church in Lacombe, Alberta and they have been deeply involved with so many aspects of their church community since. Dennis loved being at the Sunday Services, and especially the coffee sharing time afterwards. He was so busy visiting that often he was the last to leave the hall. Dennis was primarily a grain farmer, but tried several other variations, often with a younger partner that he could share and mentor. He especially appreciated those times. It was a busy, happy, whirlwind life and career, but Dennis always said he would never let go of his security blanket of the home farm. Even though he was busy with work, there was always time for his family. Dennis loved his three children, New Years baby Tracy, Darren and Candice, who turned to become his part-time farmer friend. He always made time to be a part of the kid’s activities, even when many and varied. Dennis was so proud of their many achievements as young people and as competent and contributing adults. But farm and family could not use up all that boundless energy and interest. He loved all toys that go fast. First snow machines, then the riverboat, the ATV’s, the RV (it didn’t go fast but it was fun!) and finally the airplane FWR, that became a part of our family in 1977. Dennis got his license in two months, late in 1976. Flying was Dennis’s way of refocusing and gaining calm but also gave us access to the huge extended family of Alberta and International Flying Farmers. What exciting times when we could fly from one end of the continent to the other on our own schedule. Sadly, Dennis gave up his medical in 2011 when the stringent Transport Canada medicals were just too difficult after his heart valve replacement in 2008. It was a wonderful trip while it lasted! He was involved in so many community organizations – usually at board or chair level – because he loved working with other folks and learning from them. Dennis served two terms as a member on RDC Board of Governors. Perhaps his most challenging job was as founding chair of Federal Farm Debt Review Board, Alberta and Northwest Territories in 1986. This was pioneering work into ag debt mediation. Just as the heart valve replacement curtailed flying, it also curtailed many aspects of his active ag career. So, there was more time for travelling. And travel we did- wonderful years of going all across the globe. All the activities over many areas and a long time of course led to many accolades and assorted honors: Red Deer Farm Family of the Year, Alberta Service Award in support of Alberta families, numerous man of the year awards, and longtime service awards. Even a certificate of accomplishment for forty years of feeding the world from Canadian Wheat Board. He loved life – he loved people and interacting with them. Dennis never did anything timidly – it was all or nothing. An old friend described Dennis as always living in high gear, and when any machine is constantly run at its limits, the wear and tear eventually adds up. He was very much alive and involved and in love with life – until suddenly he wasn’t with us anymore. What wonderful memories and joys and accomplishments he leaves us to ponder. Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty-nine years, Linda; his children, Tracy and her children, Keaghan and Avery; Candice, and Darren (Catherine) and his children, Julia and Evan, as well as numerous family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by the higher branches of the Hueppelsheuser clan, he and David were the oldest males left. Dennis’s “almost twin” cousin, David (David April 1, 1942 –October 8, 2024) and now Dennis (March 30, 1943 –October 9, 2025) God allotted them each equal number of days. He was also predeceased by his only sibling Virginia, October 3, 2025. Two sisters-in-law – Patricia Helen Hudd Clegg (2003) and Ida Mae Hudd (2016) as well as many extended family members and friends. A Celebration of Dennis’s Life will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 5226 51 Avenue, Lacombe, Alberta on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Dr. David Holmes officiating. A luncheon and time to share memories of Dennis will be held after the Celebration of Life in the CE Auditorium. The family would like to offer their thanks to the UCW ladies for their gracious hosting. If desired, Memorial Donations in Dennis’s honor may be made directly to the St. Andrew’s United Church, Lacombe or your own faith community if you are close to one or to the Red Deer and District Community Foundation or community foundation where you live. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Interment will be held in Spring of 2026 at the Aspelund Cemetery, Lacombe County. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-10-18
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com