Dennis Lloyd Klemp

MISSOULA ~ Dennis Lloyd Klemp, 85, of Missoula, passed away at home on Friday, May 22, 2026 after a very brief illness while listening to hymns that he loved so well and is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Denny was born on July 22, 1940 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Lloyd and Violet (Wagner) Klemp. He was the second of three children born.

He lived an extraordinary life. He was an excellent anesthesia provider by vocation for 45 years which supported his true calling of outdoorsman. Denny lived and breathed fishing and hunting. Growing up in Wisconsin gave him many opportunities to fish the many rivers and lakes, and hunt the forests with his dad and family. When his training was completed, Denny hit the road for new career adventures in Butte, Montana. He explored many mountains, rivers, and lakes of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada; and if truth be told, Denny would have been at ease as an explorer or mountain man of centuries past. As a gifted story teller, Denny had the rare ability to place you alongside him within the story. He leaves behind that legacy of the outdoors to many of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Denny is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Violet Klemp, infant older brother, brother-in-law James Helmuth, partner Carol (Post) Hodges, wife Dianne (Braus) Klemp Birrer, wife Elizabeth (Vincent) Wilson Klemp, mother-in-law Judy (Stewart) Hatfield, and dear friends Dr Ned Nehls, Doug Johns, Laird Robinson, Richard Schedler, and many other friends.

He is survived by his wife Leah (Hatfield) Klemp, sister Susan Klemp Helmuth, and father-in-law Lawrence Hatfield.  Children: Kevin & Sheila Hodges, Dennis & Melodi Klemp, Daniel & Peggy Klemp, David & Jennifer Klemp, Debra & Robert Jose, Thomas & Billie Klemp, Marcus Klemp, Robert & Jana Wilson, Bryon Sr & Jeanette Wilson, Patti Salmonsen, and Laurie & Scott Peterson.  Grandchildren & Great grandchildren: Nora, Gus, & Margie Hodges; Colby & Brittany, Jonah, Ally, Callan Klemp, Courtney & Ethan, Samuel, Sadie Bullock; Gracie Klemp; Lauren Klemp, Ryan Klemp; Kendall Klemp, Kamryn Klemp; Daniel Jose, Haley Jose; Max Klemp & Maggie Howard, Ben Klemp, Maddie Klemp; Nathaniel Wilson; Bryon & Mikaela, Annabelle, David Wilson; Brad Wilson; Meaghan & Dawn Randall, Bo Randall; Ashley Bair & Scott Balan, Marcus Balan; and Zach, Jaxon, Hayes, & Briar Bair.  Sisters-in-law: Christine Hatfield & Joey Collins, Julie & Chuck Hunt, Deanna & Jason Karb, and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to Ten Ring Junior Shooting Team at Western Montana Fish & Game Association attn: Scott.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Ave. W in Missoula with a Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.