Dennis Plush

May 2, 1947 – Dec 1, 2025

Dennis passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at his home from Agent Orange-related cancer

He was born on May 2, 1947, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Ralph and Irene (Metzger) Plush. He grew up on a ranch in McLaughlin, South Dakota, where he attended school, and was raised in the Protestant faith.

A proud veteran, Dennis served in Vietnam as a radio operator and spent much of his time in the hill fights at Khe Sanh. Dennis served as a radioman with Subunit 5, HQ BN, 3rd Mar Div He was at Khe Sanh for just about all of 1967. Dennis was there when the USAF mistakenly bombed the village of Lang Vei resulting in the death of 100 or so civilians and about 175 wounded on March 2, 1967. Dennis was among the Marines from the KSCB who evacuated the wounded and placed them on planes for transport to medical facilities. Dennis was also at the base in support of the Hill Battles in the spring of 1967.  After 13 months in Vietnam, he spent the remainder of his four-year service in Hawaii, stationed at Kaneohe Bay. Dennis served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

After returning home from service, Dennis worked on various farms and ranches. On September 8, 1970, he married the love of his life, Linda Jeanette Dirk, in Pierre, South Dakota. In 1980, they settled in Riverton, Wyoming. Dennis worked at Diamond Lumber for five years until he was injured and medically retired in 1986.

Married for more than 55 years, Dennis and Linda built a large and loving family, blessed with five children, thirteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Dennis continued raising his children and caring for horses and a wide variety of farm and ranch animals. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, but his greatest joy came from time spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, the horses, and all of his critters.

Dennis was a member of the AQHA, Fox Trotter, and Paint Horse associations. He taught hunter safety and served as a 4-H leader. In January 1991, Dennis joined the Friday-Truan Detachment #683 Marine Corps League & Veterans, later serving as an officer.

Known for his easy conversation, quick humor, and generous heart, Dennis never hesitated to lend a hand or give you the shirt off his back.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Linda Plush; sons, Dennis Joseph Plush (Angel) of Riverton, WY, and David Michael Plush (Jackie) of Gillette, WY; daughters, Lisa Marlene Plush-Cooke (Robert) of Powell, WY, and Mary Christina Plush-Moseley of Riverton; brothers, Gary (Tracy) Plush of Mobridge, SD, Rodney (Nancy) Plush of Gillette, WY, and William “Bill” (Becky) Plush of McLaughlin, SD; sister, Joyce (Jim) Plush Pieters of Richmond Hill, GA; thirteen grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Irene Plush; his son, Edmund Ralph Plush; and grandparents, Fred and Christina Metzger and William and Mary Plush.