Dennis Karl Fretwell Sr., 84, passed away Jan. 13 at his home in Hines.

Dennis was born Sept. 7, 1936, in Jordan Valley, the first born out of six other siblings.

He worked for Simplot feedlot in Grandview, Idaho. Then he went on to work for Arnett at the Rome ranch for seven years. Eventually he landed a job working for the Oregon Department of Transportation for a total of 18 years, first at Basque Station, then at Burns, where he retired with the state.

However, he continued to work for Harney Rock for another two years. He also changed water for Jack Smith for seven years and cut hay for Andy Root for a summer.

All the while, he maintained his own ranch, starting off with mostly cattle and sheep. When they moved to Burns however, they raised sheep, goats, and a few calves. He loved raising his bummer lambs and kid goats. He also loved working with his hands and made beautiful wood furniture and other woodwork as well as metal artwork with horseshoes. He also enjoyed tooling leather and hoped that his grandson, Kenny Fretwell, will continue on with that skill.

He was always busy with his ranch, building fences, barns, and sheds. He also helped to build a rock house, originally for his aunt, Loretta, that he also lived in himself.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Norene Fretwell; brother, Lance (Connie) Fretwell; sisters, Sue Glen, Annie Hess, Georgia Johnston, and Tammi (Dave) Jones; sons, Dennis (Janece) Fretwell Jr., and Rick (Steve) Fretwell; daughter, Christine (Dave Williams; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. When it was time for him to go home, he went with love and family.

A memorial service will be held to commemorate the life of Dennis at noon Sunday, March 8, with dinner to follow at the Burns Paiute Tribe Community Hall.