Dennis Paul Mischel

Dennis Paul Mischel was born on September 25, 1951, in Warren, MN. to William and Margaret (Miska) Mischel. He attended school in Warren and graduated in 1969 from Warren High School. After graduation, he attended North Dakota State University, where he was a member of Delta-Upsilon Fraternity.

In 1974 he married Gayle Hanson in Fort Ransom, North Dakota. They lived in Billings, MT before returning to Warren, MN to farm with his father. In 1977 they became parents to Jennifer and David. Dennis attended the University of North Dakota, while farming, to major in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated in May 1986 and the family moved to Camarillo CA where he was employed by Pt Mugu Naval Air Station, as a civilian employee of the Navy.

Dennis was offered a one year tour of duty, in 1996, to the Pentagon in Washington, DC, where the one year tour turned into a 19 year career. During that tenure, he became known as "Mr. Targets" while working in the Office of Secretary of Defense, Targets and Threat Systems Office of DOT&E. While in this position he led successful budget efforts to fund, develop, test and enter into production a number of innovative target systems. He was honored to be the recipient of numerous awards during his career, including his induction into the University of North Dakota's School of Engineering and Mines Academy.

Upon retirement, Dennis and Gayle built their "forever" home on the waterfront of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. They were happy to enjoy the life of grandparents, along with golfing, traveling, and living on lake time.

Dennis was a wonderful husband, dad, grandfather and friend. He did road trips with Jennifer and David to Minnesota and North Dakota, plus travels to Edmonton, Boston, DisneyWorld, Minnesota Twins games, and, of course, there were numerous University of North Dakota Sioux hockey games. He spent hours with the grandchildren at baseball cages, hockey rinks, tubing and wake boarding, plus many rides on "Grandpa's Boat".

Dennis was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2019. Lewy Body is an aggressive and devastating disease, and he entered the Runk and Pratt memory unit in September 2020.

Dennis is survived by his wife Gayle, daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Garza, son, David (Anastasia Tosouni) and 4 grandchildren, Ciaran Barr, Rylan Garza, Kayden Garza, and Victoria Mischel. He is also survived by brothers Roger (Roberta), Robert (Paula), and sister Mary Jean, several nieces and nephews, family members, and friends.

Dennis' family would like to thank Runk and Pratt, along with Medi-Health Hospice for the care, respect, and dignity that they gave to him.

The family requests no flowers or memorials.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/ Smith Mountain Lake.