Billings Gazette Billings, MT 17 May 2007 THORNTON, Colo. - Dennis Edward Schmanke, 48, of Thornton, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. He was born March 20, 1959, in Junction City, Kan., to Arthur Edward and Norma Jean (Sutter) Schmanke. He was a single parent to Haleigh Grace Schmanke, age 12, and Wyatt Arthur Schmanke, age 9, of the home. Preceding him in death were his parents, Arthur and Norma Schmanke of Meeteetse, Wyo.; a brother-in-law, Thomas Edd Howard of Kearney, Neb.; grandparents Walter and Nancy (Davidson) Sutter of White City, Kan.; and Edward and Laura (Campbell) Schmanke of Alma, Kan. In addition to his children, he is survived by a sister, Artys Jean (John) Miller of Tiffin, Ohio; sister, Lindy Kay (Randy) Richard of Adrian, Mich.; sister, Sibyl Bell (Jim) Schug of Laurel, Mont.; nephew Steven (Lisa) Smith of Tiffin; a great-nephew, Cody Smith of Tiffin; nephew, Tom Howard of Adrian; a niece, Diane (Mike) Foos; a great-nephew, Robert Foos; a great-niece, Olivia Foos of El Dorado, Calif.; a nephew, Arthur "Drew" Schug of Belgrade, Mont.; niece Whitney Schug of Laurel; sister-in-law, Robyn Merkel of Denver; and many other relatives in the Kansas area. Dennis grew up in the White City area. He moved with his parents to Meeteetse in his early years. Dennis served in the Navy. He drove semi trucks and later became an auto mechanic and customized to vehicles and Harley motorcycles. He built and rebuilt many machines for friends in his spare time, on occasion making house calls for stranded college students and their vehicles. His words were: "if you're going to drive this old of a vehicle, you gotta get some tools and keep them with you." Dennis was completely and totally dedicated to his children, Haleigh and Wyatt, raising them by himself when Wyatt was but an infant. He loved the Broncos and living in the mountains. He was the most wonderful daddy. He was the kind of friend that you could count on. If you acquired his friendship, you had it for life. His quick smile and willingness to laugh at himself was infectious. A gentle giant with a keen sense of humor. A private memorial for family will be held in Denver. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Dennis to his children Haleigh and Wyatt. If you wish to send a memorial, they may be sent to Memorial for Haleigh Schmanke and Wyatt Schmanke, c/o Sibyl Schug, Avanta Federal Credit Union, 3212 Central Ave., Billings, MT 59102. Published in the Billings Gazette on 5/17/2007.