Dennis Dirk Huffman

Dennis Dirk Huffman, age 89, passed away at UNMH (hospital) on November 25, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dennis was born November 24,1934 in Idaho Falls, ID to Denzil and Edith Huffman. The family moved frequently during their early years, through the Depression, as Denzil was a salesman for the Swift and Morrell Meat Companies after discharge from the US Army. The family settled in Omaha, NE where Dennis spent his high school years and attended Benson High School where he participated in the Band which began his musical interest and sparked an interest in becoming a professional musician. He also joined ROTC which inspired his love of his country and appreciation of the WWI stories told by his father. He was on the debate team which enriched his passion for History, Politics, Science and Spiritual awareness. After high school, Dennis went on to graduate from University of Nebraska in Lincoln with a degree in Engineering, later furthering his education by obtaining his Masters degree.

Dennis married his first wife Carolyn Chapman in Omaha, NE in 1955, they moved to Dayton, OH in 1956 where Dennis served 2 years in the US Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Base. They added 2 boys to their family, Steven and David. Their next move was to Hollywood, CA in 1958 where Dennis worked for a private electronics firm. In 1961, the family moved to Claremont, CA where Dennis and Carolyn worked and raised their family. Dennis enjoyed hiking and camping with the boys and also made numerous trips back to Nebraska and Iowa to visit family and friends. Dennis’s parents, Denzil and Edith as well as his Aunt and Uncle, Lalah and Guy soon moved to California allowing for many memorable celebrations of birthdays and holidays. Dennis’s greatest heartbreak came in 1978 with the passing of his son David. A blessing was just around the corner when David’s son Joe was born in 1979. In 1980, Dennis and Carolyn divorced but remained amicable in staying involved with family.

Business travel led Dennis to Albuquerque, NM where he met his beloved wife Doris. They married in 1983 and they built a blended family without any limitations. From this union, Dennis acquired two daughters, Michele and Danielle. He served as an inspirational model of blended parenting. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren referred to him as “Poppy/Grandpa”, they were always touched by his soft, calm voice and playfulness in their lives.

Dennis took great satisfaction in his work and was instrumental in contributions in the field of reliability and safety of microelectronics. After decades of service in this industry, Dennis retired from Sandia National Laboratories in 1999.

Dennis loved music of all types, especially classical guitar, big band, country western, blue grass, easy listening and meditation. Dennis’ passion for music extended into dancing, including square dancing and especially clog dancing. Dennis was instrumental in the establishment of Sandia Mountain Cloggers, New Mexico Clogging Association, and Cloggin’ Express, which was an exhibition team. These were great years of joy for Dennis and Doris.

Dennis was an avid reader of history, politics, business and science. He also enjoyed watching documentaries on the same topics. He appreciated engaging conversations with friends and family, especially current events, history and politics. He enjoyed playing golf in his younger years and grew to like watching it on television. Dennis was also a very charitable person, hehad several charities that were close to his heart. He gave to causes that he was passionate about and ones that he felt made a difference.

Dennis was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed the fellowship of all. He accepted his life’s journey with courage, dignity and spirituality.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Denzil and Edith (Magaw) Huffman; beloved son David Huffman; sister and brother-in-law, Dona (Huffman) Brownell and Jim Brownell; aunt and uncle Lalah (Magaw) Faskin and Guy Faskin.

Dennis is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Doris; son Steven (Faye) Huffman of Flagstaff AZ; daughters Michele (Robert) Ontiveros of Austin TX, Danielle (Todd) Fattor of Albuquerque NM; Joe and Jason’s mother Robin (Kevin) Krieghoff.

Grandchildren: Joe (Emily) Huffman, Jason (Sarytta) Catrambone, both of Ozark AR, Kristina Jacobs of Austin TX, Kylie (Josh) Rossner of Overland Park KS, Bobby Ontiveros, Austin Ontiveros both of Austin TX, Lindsay (Ryan) Mayer of Phoenix AZ, Joe Fattor of Fort Collins CO.

Great-grandchildren: Casey and Brody Huffman; Sara Catrambone; Reagan, Ainsley and Finley Rossner; Steve Mayer

Niece: Barbara (Kevin) Shoemaker along with their children; Nephew: Bob (Jenna) Brownell along with their son; Nephew: Mark (Kim) Brownell along with their son

Services will be held at 12pm Friday, December 8th 2023 at French’s Funeral Home on 7121 Wyoming Blvd. Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hillsdale College 33 E. College St, Hillsdale MI 49242; Boys Town 13940 Gutowski Rd, Boys Town, NE 68010 or a contribution of your choice.