Dennis Merrill Killian

Dennis Merrill Killian, 50, of Shelley, passed away  September 26, 2009 in Colorado Springs, Colorado under Hospice care.

He was born December 30, 1958 in Prescott, Arizona to William D. Killian and Shirlene Leavitt Sargent.  He attended schools in Prescott and Wickenburg, Arizona.

Dennis moved to the Denver, Colorado area and lived there for 17 years.  He married Lori Osten and had one daughter.  They were later divorced.  He worked around Denver, managing an apartment duplex and ending as a carpenter and plummer.  Then in 2002 Dennis came to Idaho, where he lived by his mother taking care of her and her big yard.

He worked at Pillsbury and Idaho Supreme until getting hurt.  After back surgery he was unable to return to work.  Dennis had a trick of all trades, there wasn’t much he couldn’t do once he set his mind to it.

On September 26, 2008 he moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to his daughter, April.  Then his plans were to go on to Mesa, Arizona to visit his brother, David and family and his Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Niel.  Then on to Kennewick, Washington to his best friend’s Nick & Suzann Greer, where he planned to make his home.

In February 2009 Dennis became very sick and not expected to live long.  The family all went over, but Dennis had a strong will to live!  He was in the hospital, then Hospice for 10 days, in the nursing home a couple weeks, when he walked out one day and went back to his own home.  Then last of September he ended up in Hospice again where he died.

Dennis was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He is survived by his daughter, April Killian of Colorado Springs, Colorado; mother, Shirlene Sargent of Shelley; brothers, William D. Jr. (Brenda) Killian of Idaho Falls; and David (Susan) Killian of Mesa, Arizona.  He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

According to his wishes cremation will be done in Colorado Springs.  A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2009 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley.  The family will receive friends Monday morning one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Following the service his urn will be placed in the Taylor Cemetery.