Dennis (Denny) James Latka, 81, from Sidney, Montana 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, Montana to Tony and Rose (Grimes) Latka on September 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 completed grammar school at the Upper Cracker Box School taught by his mother, middle school at the Sacred Heart School in Glendive, and attended Dawson County High School. Denny’s father, Tony, raised cows 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 Dr 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 the veterinary profession. The combination of his dad’s livelihood and Doc Aby’s profession allowed Denny to care for his own horses and cattle throughout his lifetime.

Denny met Carmen Mae Muñoz at the Culbertson Frontier Days while he was in the middle of competing as a saddle bronc rider. They were married in 1964. Denny and Carmen adopted twin boys at birth, Nathan and Sean Latka, in 1968. Denny decided to pursue a career in drug and addiction counseling. With Carmen’s love and support, he went away for formalized training at the University of Utah in the early 1970’s. Denny earned a certificate in Western Region Indian Alcohol and Drug Counseling. He continued to further his education at Dawson Junior College and the University of North Dakota. He became licensed in the state of Montana as an Addiction Counselor in 1990 and remained active until 2024. Denny initially worked in Eastern, Montana for the District II Alcohol and Drug Program from 1990 – 1992. He was employed by the Mercy Recovery Center in Williston, ND from 1993 – 2002. He transitioned to the Dawson County Correctional Facility in 2001 where he worked for several years before going into private practice.

Denny had a lifetime of experience with horses while growing up on a ranch. Because of his love for horses, he was naturally called to become a certified EAGALA practitioner. EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is a network of highly professional and passionate individuals incorporating horses into behavioral health treatment. Denny became a certified trainer in 2003 after completing the EAGALA training program in Oakatoks Alta, Canada. He traveled to Billings, Montana, Piedmont, South Dakota, and Mesquite, Texas for continued education to maintain his certification. Denny established the Equine Assisted Counseling Program at the Dawson County Correctional Facility in 2007, which has been ongoing since that date. He established a similar Equine Assisted Counseling Program for Judicial District 7 for Probation Youth around 2010.

Denny served as a board member for the Matthew House emergency shelter in Sidney for several years. He 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 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 is survived by his spouse, Carmen Latka; son Sean Latka of Sidney, MT; brother Paul (Donna) Latka of Townsend, MT; brother Stephen (Judy) Latka of Janesville, WI; sister Dolores Roy of Dickinson, ND; sister Gail Nagle of Glendive, MT; sister Jeanne Smalis of Terry, MT; sister Diane Slagsvold of Billings, MT; six grandchildren and 3 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 Jim Smalis; and sister-in-law Nancy (Muñoz) Herkimer.

Denny loved God and was a devout Catholic. He was dedicated to the Cursillo Movement and frequently participated in Cum Cristo retreats. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Home on the Range, 16351 I-94, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654. Under the influence of the Catholic Church, Home on the Range is a safe home for all youth who have experienced physical or emotional trauma, where every act is done with love to help them discover the dignity of the human person and learn the skills to manage life’s challenges.

Memorial Contribution