Born on March 26, 1946, to his parents, Kenneth and Gertrude Wright, Dennis grew up in a small farming community in Scotland, South Dakota, alongside his four siblings Velma Kuchta, Lyndon Wright, Karen Rembold, and Danny Wright (deceased). They were raised on a family farm where they grew all their own vegetables, hunted for food, and lived off the land—a childhood that shaped Dennis’s self-sufficiency, work ethic, and appreciation for simple, honest living.
Dennis graduated from Scotland High School in 1964, where he earned the nickname “Iron Man” for his grit, strength, and determination on the football field—qualities that would stay with him throughout his entire life.
Shortly after high school, he noticed a small newspaper advertisement inviting applicants to train for a career in the airline industry. That simple moment unfolded into a remarkable 45-year profession with Ozark Airlines, TWA, and ultimately what is now American Airlines—a career marked by dedication, reliability, and pride.
Dennis married Sandra Amberg in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the late 1960s. Together they welcomed their son, Jason Dennis Wright, born on February 17, 1975. This was a sweet and joyful chapter of Dennis’s life, tragically cut short by Sandra’s illness as a young mother.
Throughout his life, Dennis was blessed with deeply meaningful companionship. He later married Phyllis Ferrara on October 26, 1996 becoming a loving stepfather to Michael Ferrara (deceased), Gina Ferrara , Connie Balano, Patricia Ferrara, and Judy Ferrara. Dennis and Phyllis were true kindred spirits for over twenty years. Together they built a life full of adventure filled with cooking, traveling, hard work, and unwavering support for their family. Dennis was “Grandpa D” to multiple grandchildren, and such joy was felt cheering from the sidelines at their sports games and events. Phyllis’s passing on August 8, 2018 was a profound loss for Dennis and for all who loved her.
In time, Dennis found his final life partner in Vickie Reeves, or “V” as he fondly referred to her. Vickie showered him with kindness, devoted caretaking, and steady companionship. They were each other’s faithful and loving partners for the remainder of his life.
Dennis enjoyed the simple pleasures—classic Westerns, especially Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith, cooking shows, good meals, warm company, and peaceful routines. His faith was gentle but unwavering, carried with humility and gratitude. He was especially proud of his son, Jason and cherished the first 10 years of Hari Sivaprasad Wright, his grandson.
Dennis possessed a rare type of resilience—an “Iron Man” spirit in every sense—enduring life’s deepest losses while continuing to offer warmth, humor, and generosity to those around him. Dennis touched the lives of everyone who knew him, and his presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
