Dennis "Denny" Latka, 81 Sidney, MT

Dennis "Denny" James Latka, 81, Sidney, MT, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends on July 20, 2024. We are so thankful for all your prayers.

Denny was born in Glendive, MT, to Tony and Rose (Grimes) Latka on Sept. 10, 1942. He was the third of seven children. He spent many summers with his cousins, the Rickls, who were more like brothers and sisters to him. He marched to the beat of his own drum. Denny married Carmen Mae Muñoz in 1964. They adopted twin boys at birth, Nathan and Sean Latka, in 1968.

Denny's father, Tony, raised cattle on the homestead of Frank Latka, Denny's grandfather. Tony raised Polled Herefords, attended cattle shows and sales, and eventually held sales of his own cattle on the place. Denny later worked closely with Eugene Aby, DVM, who shared Denny's love for people and animals. Doc Aby was a mentor and friend who greatly influenced Denny to learn everything he could about veterinary medicine. The combination of his dad's livelihood and Doc Aby's teachings allowed Denny to care for his own horses and cattle throughout his lifetime.

Denny pursued a career in drug and addiction counseling. After successful completion of coursework at several institutions, he was officially licensed as an Addiction Counselor by the state of Montana in 1990 and remained active until June 2024. His love for horses led him to become a certified EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) practitioner in 2003. Denny established the Equine Assisted Counseling Program at the Dawson County Correctional Facility in 2007, which continues to thrive today. He established a similar Equine Assisted Counseling Program for Judicial District 7 for Probation Youth around 2010.

Denny was a kind and respectable gentleman. He always tipped his hat to the ladies. His beautiful blue eyes and charismatic smile warmed the hearts of many. Carmen talked about getting butterflies in her stomach when she heard his pickup driving up. Sometimes, he would throw his cowboy hat into the house before entering to make sure the coast was clear. He loved Carmen's cooking and was often seen sitting at the kitchen table with a fork in hand waiting for supper. Denny strived to help people wherever he went and always kept his door open. He would often say, "What's the point in having something if you're not going to share it with people?" He genuinely enjoyed caring for and sharing with others.

Denny is survived by his spouse of 59 years, Carmen Latka, Sidney, MT; son Sean Latka, Sidney, MT; brother Paul (Donna) Latka, Townsend, MT; brother Stephen (Judy) Latka, Janesville, WI; sister Dolores Roy, Dickinson, ND; sister Gail Nagle, Glendive, MT; sister Jeanne Smalis, Terry, MT; sister Diane Slagsvold, Billings, MT; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Rose Latka; sister Cecile Latka; son Nathan Latka; niece Dorraine Latka; nephew Wade Roy; nephew Clint Smalis; brother-in-law Hans Nagle; brother-in-law Jim Smalis; brother-in-law Stuart Slagsvold; sister-in-law Nancy (Muñoz) Herkimer.

Visitation took place Monday, July 29, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home, Sidney, MT, with a wake and memorial service to follow beginning at 6 p.m.

Mass was held Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Sidney, MT, with Father Jim O'Neil as presider. A luncheon for family and friends was provided after mass at the Ned Shinnick Hall. We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Denny Latka.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Home On The Range, 16351 I-94, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654.