Dennis Allen Jeck

Dennis Allen Jeck, age 69, of Big Sky, MT passed away on September 15th, 2017. Dennis, affectionately known as Denny, was born on November 15, 1947 in Springfield, IL to parents Marvin Otto Jeck and Louis Vera Jeck. He was raised alongside his sister Karen just outside of Chicago, IL. After Denny’s graduation from Proviso West High School, he attended the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse. Afterwards he began his lifelong career and devotion to aviation. Denny served in the USAF during Vietnam, flying the RF-4 from 1972-1978. His service continued in the USAF Reserves until 1985, at which time his aviation career continued with Eastern Airlines and later United Airlines. Denny retired from his flying career as a United Captain in 2007, although his love of aviation never dwindled.

Denny was a loving, caring, and devoted husband to his wife Kathi. He never faltered in his provision of love, support, humor, and guidance to his children Jennifer and Jonathan. He enjoyed fly fishing, cross country skiing, playing disc golf, traveling, trap shooting and competing as a sharp shooter. While in retirement, Denny and Kathi decided to make Big Sky, MT their home after several beautiful fly-fishing trips. Together, they moved from South Florida and completed building the home they created in 2015. Denny will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

Denny is survived by his better half Kathi Kihm; his daughter Jennifer (Eric) Peterson of Austin, TX; son Jonathan Jeck of Meridian, MS; sister Karen Gentilcore of Las Vegas, NV; as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass for Dennis will be held September 21, 2017, 12:00pm, at the Big Sky Chapel in Big Sky, MT. Memorials and donations may be made in Denny’s honor to the American Cancer Society.