Dennis "Checkers" Neill age 60 of Belle Fourche, died Sunday September 10, 2006 at his home following a courageous fight against a muscle and nerve disease.

The funeral service will be held 1 PM Thursday at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche, with Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Visitation will be held 2 to 7 PM Wednesday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in the St. Onge Cemetery, with Military Rites provided by the Belle Fourche Honor Guard.

Dennis Lynn Neill was born February 2, 1946 in Sioux City Iowa. He was the son of Clarence and Imogene (Sanders) Neill. Dennis moved with his family at a young age to Clark SD where he grew up and graduated from high school. During the Vietnam War, Dennis served his country in the U.S. Navy. During his term, he served two years in Vietnam and one year in the North Arctic Circle. During the war he lost many of his friends and he later suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In 1970 he was married to Diane Lohr. To this union, their son Jeff was born. They later divorced. In 1980 he was married to Gale Sudlow. To this union their son Ben and daughters, Rachel and Marie were born. Dennis and Gale lived in Aberdeen where he worked as a concrete supervisor for several years. They were married 11 years and divorced. In 1995, Dennis moved to Rapid City and in 2002 he moved to Belle Fourche. In 2003, Dennis was married to Donna Campbell (Leeling) in Belle Fourche.

During his high school years, Dennis excelled in sports and at one time held the Clark High School record for the pole vault, for more than twenty years. Dennis loved sports, especially college and high school football and he followed closely his hometown football team from Clark. For the past many years, he had suffered from a nerve and muscle disease. His positive attitude and will always be remembered because he never complained and he showed great strength and character. Dennis was a kind and loving man and a true patriot to his country. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Donna of Belle Fourche; sons, Ben of Britton SD, Jeff of Redfield SD; daughters, Rachael and Marie Neill both of Rapid City; step-sons, Steve (Tracie) Campbell of Plattsmouth NB, Kurt (Ginny) Campbell of Omaha NB; step-daughters, Tina Campbell of Springfield MO, Annette (Mike) Anderson of Kennebec SD; parents, Clarence and Imo Gene Neill of Clark SD; brother, Richard (Peggy) Neill of Pierre SD; 25 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.