Funeral Services for Dennis Tomlinson, age 81, of O'Neill will be at 10:30 am Monday, May 8, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7:30 pm prayer service. Dennis "Squeeks" passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill surrounded by his family. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Dennis Lee Tomlinson was born November 2, 1941 in O'Neill, Nebraska to Richard and Doris (McNally) Tomlinson.

Dennis graduated from O'Neill High School in 1960. He loved to play football and was O'Neill Public High School's first ever homecoming king his senior year. He served in the US Army 101st Airborne from August 10, 1960 until he was honorably discharged on August 9, 1963. He then attended Wayne State College and was a Golden Gloves boxer.

Dennis married the love of his life, Renee Janelle Spittler on July 31, 1965 in O'Neill. They had 6 beautiful daughters who were the light and joy of his life and what he lived for.

During his life he had worked for the Union Pacific RR and Gambles, owned and operated Squeeks Pool Hall, served as Deputy Sheriff in Holt County, worked as a locksmith, and delivered for UPS for over 20 years until he was forced to retire due to a stroke. He proudly served the community through the O'Neill Fire & Rescue Department as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for over 30 years. He was a member of the O'Neill American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and a proud supporter of the National Rifle Association.

Dennis will always be remembered for his generous and giving spirit. He believed in helping those in need and would lend a hand to anyone, any time it was needed. Most in O'Neill will remember him as the house that gave out full or king-size candy bars on Halloween, which was his trademark along with the BMW Z3 roadster he proudly drove around town. Dennis loved God, his family, and his community. Despite moving for short periods of time to other states due to declining health, he always came back home to O'Neill. He will be dearly missed by many. His humor and positive attitude was contagious. His love of movies and candy knew no bounds and his wise words and pure love will ring in the ears of those who were blessed to know and love this wonderful man.

Dennis is survived by his children, Diane Beck of Lake Stevens, WA, Traci (Todd) Thompson of Pierre, SD, Elise (Aaron Brakel) Tomlinson of Juneau, AK, Jennifer Lockwood of Anchorage, AK and Kelly (Kevin) Tomlinson of Crestline, CA; 1 brother John Casey Tomlinson of Glendale, AZ; grand-children Jenna, Caitlyn, and Jaden Beck, Joshua (Samantha) Blood, Jordan Thompson, Noah Williams, Alexander and Sydney Lockwood, Michaela and Ethan Pinkham, and Clayton Kohler; Great-grandson Abram Doll and mother-in-law Eileen Spittler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Renee, daughter Terri Tomlinson, grandson Benjamin Thompson, son-in-law Jason Beck, father-in-law Jerome Spittler, and seven siblings, Richard (Eddie) Tomlinson, Michael (Mickey) Tomlinson, George Tomlinson, Patty Brookhouser, James Tomlinson, Emma Jean Parks, and Susie Syslo.