Dennis Schuschke

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Dennis Dale Schuschke, 87, Fargo, ND died January 30, 2025 at Sanford Hospice House.

Dennis was born on November 6, 1937, to Emil and Hertha Schuschke of Lidgerwood, ND, the youngest of four children. From an early age, his faith was a central part of his life, marked by his baptism and confirmation at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lidgerwood. He graduated from Lidgerwood High School in May 1955 and continued his education at Ellendale State College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Arts in June 1959.

After college, Dennis began his teaching career in Lynwood, CA, before being drafted into the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963, where he served as an Intelligence Analyst at Fort Hood, TX. Following his honorable discharge, Dennis returned to teaching, first in the small community of Westhope, ND, and later in Bismarck. It was during this time in Bismarck that he met the love of his life, Helga.

Dennis and Helga built their life together in Fargo, ND, where Dennis began a long and rewarding career with Laidlaw Brothers Publishing Company. The couple married July 25, 1971 at United Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND, and were blessed with two sons, Mark and Donn. Dennis's career took him to roles with Prentice Hall Publishing and Glencoe Publishing, where he worked from 1992 until his retirement. In addition to his publishing career, Dennis served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the North Dakota School Services Association for 25 years, a role he held until his retirement.

After retiring in 2000, Dennis and Helga devoted much of their time to volunteering at United Blood Services (now Vitalant). They traveled over a quarter million miles, picking up and delivering blood from drives and hospitals, ensuring that life-saving donations reached those in need. Their dedication to this vital cause earned them the prestigious national Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for their lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service. In addition, the couple remained active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, contributing to the community through their faith and service. Over the years, Dennis served his church community in many ways, including as president of the Men's Club, a frequent usher, a Sunday School teacher, and a supervisor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Hertha Schuschke, his beloved wife Helga, his sister Fern (Taylor), and brothers Lawrence and Arthur.

Dennis is survived by his sons, Mark (Marnie) Schuschke of Grand Forks, ND and Donn Schuschke of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Zak and Porter Schuschke; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Schuschke of Fertile, MN, and Ethel Schuschke, Havre, MT; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial service celebrating Dennis's life will be held on Thursday February 6, 2025 at 11am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, with visitation beginning one hour before the service. Burial will take place at the Fargo National Cemetery on Friday February 7 at 9am with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND.