Dennis Ray Wicks, 84, of Custer, South Dakota, passed away on September 10, 2026.

Dennis was born on February 28, 1942, in Montrose, South Dakota, to Morris and Ruth Wicks. He grew up on the family farm in Montrose and graduated from Montrose High School in 1960. He continued his education at Augustana University before attending medical school at the University of South Dakota.

After medical school, Dennis completed his residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He then served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1973 and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

In 1974, Dennis began practicing family medicine in Custer, South Dakota, where he provided dedicated care to generations of patients until his retirement in 2013.

Dennis found great joy in music. He often sang and played the organ in his home, sharing a lifelong appreciation for melody and song. He also enjoyed caring for the many plants that filled his home. His attention to those small, living things reflected the patience and care he brought to the people and community around him.

An active member of Custer Lutheran Fellowship, Dennis enjoyed singing in the church choir. He volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts of America and was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Through his medical practice, military service, faith community, and volunteer work, he touched many lives in Custer and beyond.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Ruth Wicks, and his brother, Darrel Wicks.

He is survived by his brothers and sister, David Wicks, Dan Wicks, Darvin Wicks, Dana Wicks, Diane Wicks, and Doug Wicks; and his sons, Tim Wicks, Eric Wicks, Kevin Wicks, Danny Wicks, and David Wicks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dennis will be remembered for his devotion to family medicine, his service to his country and community, his love of music, and the care he gave to his home, church, and family. 

Memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 9, 2026, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church in Custer, SD. Committal service will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, October 9, 2026, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.