Dr. Dennis Murschel of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away April 19, 2026, after an eight-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Dennis was 75. A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home - Southside Chapel (7400 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Legacy Foundation, active generations, or the Alzheimer's Association.

Dennis was born in Webster, South Dakota, to Kermit and Lillian Murschel. As the youngest of three sons, he grew up working on the family farm, where he developed a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a can-do attitude. But his young years were not all work. Not widely known is that he participated in a children's square dancing group and learned to play the accordion. More widely known is that he rode a horse (Molly) to country school.

He attended Webster High School, where he played football and wrestled for the Bearcats and graduated in 1968. His ties to Webster were heartfelt; he never wanted to miss a reunion. He went on to attend the University of South Dakota, earning his bachelor's degree in 1972. Through his membership in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at USD, Dennis made great memories and friends that have lasted a lifetime. The annual Beta golf gathering in Vermillion was a much-anticipated event for Dennis even in later years. While at USD, Dennis met Casey Everett. Prior to graduation, they were married on December 18, 1971. After graduation and a summer at the Beta House, the two traveled to Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where Dennis obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree in May 1976.

They moved back to Sioux Falls, where Dennis began his optometric career, and eventually started his own optometry practice. Dennis was dedicated to providing excellent care to his patients, and with the support of his staff, successfully built a small business. He was active in professional and community organizations, serving on the SD Optometric Society, VSP, Sioux Vocational Services (Life Scape), Westward Ho Country Club boards of directors, school PTAs, and president of the Sioux Falls Presidents Bowl.

Dennis also enjoyed taking his family on vacation, attending all of his kids' sporting events, concerts, and much more. At home, Dennis was known for believing he could fix just about anything with the items he had in the corner of the garage (including duct tape), often tackling household projects with determination and confidence. If he wasn't with family, working, or volunteering, he could be found on the golf course. He created a solid group of friends over the years, and would always come home with a play-by-play – whether it was good or bad.

After 50 years of optometry, Dennis retired in 2016. Unknown to his family, he had created a "Wish List" for retirement. He was able to follow his list for a short while and spent the time with family and friends, playing golf and traveling. However, within a couple of years, Dennis was showing signs of dementia. He was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. There was the inevitable decline of his mental acuity and physical capabilities. With the assistance of Active Generations Adult Day Care and later home hospice, the family was able to honor his wish to remain at home as long as it was possible. When the time came that Dennis needed nursing care, he was fortunate to have caring and capable staff at ULC in Brookings, Ava's House in Sioux Falls, and Good Samaritan in Canistota caring for him.

In the end, Dennis will be remembered as a dedicated optometrist, a loyal friend, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his wife, Casey, was constant and unmistakable—she was his partner in everything. Together, they created a home centered on family while raising five children and navigating life's joys and challenges side by side for 54 years.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Gary and Wayne.

He is survived by his wife, Casey; his five children, Rachel (James Derr), Greg, Heather, Jeff, and Sarah; as well as two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts.