Dennis Hisgun Sr., age 77, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, December 16, 2020, and began his journey at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Dennis James Hisgun Sr. was born September 18, 1943, in Sisseton, SD, the son of Jonah T. and Melvina (Wanna) Hisgun. He attended school in Sisseton and graduated from Flandreau Indian School in 1962. Following high school, Dennis married Charlotte Greyowl and they were blessed with 5 children. The couple later divorced. In 1971, Dennis began his career in Substance Abuse in Minneapolis, MN, where he met Vernie McArthur. The two were united in marriage on January 2, 1976, and were lifelong soulmates. They were blessed with seven children. Dennis and Vernie moved to the White Earth Reservation in 1978 to make their home. He then continued his career in substance abuse as Director of the White Earth Chemical Dependency Program until his retirement in 2005. After a short time, Dennis came out of retirement to continue working for White Earth at the Oshki Manidoo Treatment Center as well as the MOMS and MATS programs up until his passing. Dennis was well known for his dedication to helping others who fought addiction. He had a special place in his heart for each and every one and touched the lives of many.

Dennis was involved with many programs and for many years was board chairman of Mash-Ka-Wisen Treatment Center, Board president of UMICAD (Counselor training), original member of the Indian Health Board in Minneapolis, Chairman of the White Earth Pow-Wow Committee, Volunteer EMT, among others. Family was everything to Dennis. He always looked forward to family gatherings, whether it was right at home or caravanning to The Black Hills. He had many interests, but what he cherished most, was his time with family. Dennis will always be remembered for the love and compassion he had for all.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Vernie, of Mahnomen; five daughters: DeLinda, Nancy, Nicole, Aimee (Moon) and Samantha; five sons: Dennis Jr. "DJ" (Carlene), Seth Sr. (Jenelle), Lucas Sr. (Tesshelle), Aaron Sr. (Rachel) and Andrew Sr. (Justine); 48 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren; two sisters, JoAnn Hisgun and Wanda (William) LaBatte; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Jacqueline and Iva; three granddaughters: Ashley, JoLisa and Ivory; two grandsons, Jordan and Noah; five sisters: Elizabeth Hisgun, Ethel Spider, Oretta Szymanek, Norma Max and Shirley Deegan; one brother, Wallace Eagle; his mother and father in-law, Bernard and Delphine McArthur, and many aunts and uncles.

A public walk-through visitation will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2020 starting at 5:00 pm at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, Naytahwaush, MN, and continue Wednesday. Private Family Services will be held Thursday, December 24, 2020 followed by burial at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen, MN.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

We are currently working on the "Heart to Heart, Never Apart" well wishes for the family. This link is no longer available, but we would suggest that you sign the guest book which will pass along your thought and well wishes to the family. Thanks for the love shown to the family during this difficult time.