Dennis M. Fallgatter

Dennis Fallgatter, 78, of Bismarck, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 E. Ave. C, Bismarck, with Pastor Sylvia Bull officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan with military honors provided by the Bismarck VFW Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 5–7 P.M., on Tuesday, April 22, at Weigel Funeral Home, 309 4th Ave. NW, Mandan, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 P.M. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Dennis—known to many as “Denny”—was born on November 4, 1946, in Bismarck and grew up as the oldest boy in a family of nine kids. His parents, Donald and Darlene (Johnson) Fallgatter, started their family in Kintyre and later moved to the family’s “All D Ranch” south of Steele. Dennis attended school in Steele where he became lifelong friends with his classmates.

Dennis proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, working as a mechanic and crew chief on C-130s during the Vietnam War. Stationed at the Mactan Air Force Base in the Philippines, he completed 15 rotations—something he was proud of.

After returning home, Dennis met Eileen Schock in Bismarck. The two were married on June 12, 1971, in Glendive, Montana, and settled in Bismarck where they raised their family. In 1972, Dennis began a 36-year career with Melroe (now Bobcat), where he started as a welder and worked his way into the jig and fixture, tool and die department. He enjoyed his work as a machinist and could fix, build, or weld just about anything.

Denny was the guy who always had his garage door open—either working on a project or tuning something up, his reputation as someone who could “figure it out” spread far and wide. He never expected anything in return, but was always the first to lend a hand. His garage was a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors to have a cold beer and good conversation.

He enjoyed heading back to Steele and Kintyre, and was a familiar face at local events. In later years, he liked to spend time with his fellow veterans at the VFW, Amvets Club, and more recently Lucky’s. He was a member of the Roughrider Chevrolet Association, a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church, and enjoyed trips with Dakota Community Bank Good Neighbor Club.

Dennis was known for his kind heart, strong handshake, and ability to remember everyone he met. His stature was big, but his presence was steady, humble, and genuine—and he’ll be missed more than words can say.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eileen; his children, Heather Schmidt of Mandan, Nikki (Cole) Johnson of Bismarck, and Darren (Merridith) Fallgatter of Acton, CA; 5 grandchildren, Jordan (Caitlin) Bitz, Sierra (Tame) Stover, KennaDee (Casey) Carlson, Rio Johnson, and Drue Fallgatter; 3 great-grandchildren, Callie, Hudson, Ryatt, and one on the way. He is also survived by siblings, Donna Darsey, Dianne Moch, Debra Lippert, Dolly Kuhn, and Dwight (Robin) Fallgatter; brother-in-law, Eddie Biegler; sister-in-law, Kathy Fallgatter; along with many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Deanette Biegler and Dottie Erwin; brother, Dean Fallgatter; and brothers-in-law, Pius Kuhn, Bruce Darsey, Alex Moch, and Jim Erwin.

Memorials in Dennis’ name are suggested to benefit the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Quilts of Valor, or a veteran organization of your choice.