Dennis "Denny" Heusted died unexpectedly on December 11, 2025, after a brief battle with APML Leukemia. The family is deeply shocked and saddened by his sudden illness and death. He was 70 years old.

Denny was born February 18, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, to Warren and Marian Heusted. He grew up in California Acres, in Highland Park. He attended Belvoir and Hudson Elementary Schools, Highland Park Junior High and was a 1973 graduate of Highland Park High School.

After high school his life was a kaleidoscope filled with ever changing colors and shapes. Denny was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him on his journey on this Earth.

Denny took great pride in his first job, “building the world’s biggest tire”, at the Goodyear plant in Topeka. After numerous strikes and layoffs, his wise mother suggested he give the Topeka VA Hospital a try. His years there as an orderly inspired his passion for nursing. Denny worked full-time at the VA while attending Washburn University full-time and graduated with honors from their RN program and was honored to be the valedictorian for the winter graduation class of 1992. He would spend the next 33 years working primarily as a cardiac RN in the clinical setting, in Seattle, Washington area; and finishing his nursing career as a virtual nurse at St. Al’s in Boise, Idaho.

Outside of his professional life, Denny found joy in music, reading and the open road on his motorcycle. His love for short jaunts or long rides on his motorcycle reflected his adventurous and free spirit. He passed on his love for riding when he became a certified motorcycle instructor for High Desert Harley Davidson in Meridian, Idaho. Denny was also a member of the Patriot Riders organization and had recently received his 26-year AMA pin.

Denny found new joys when Vicki came back into his life in 2009 (they met in 1963) via Facebook. Childhood friendships seem to have a way of overcoming time, space, and distance. Some other childhood and lifelong friends of Denny were, Randy Hyle and John Machac.

In January of 2017, Denny “dropped” into Vicki’s life, and they began to build a beautiful life together. They became engaged November 1, 2022. Vicki introduced Denny to the life of cruising and European adventures, family game nights, and the Boise State Broncos! Most importantly, Vicki shared her love for God and Catholicism. Denny made the choice to return to the catholic church where he found love like no other and quickly began serving in the Holy Apostles Parish Nursing Ministry and also becoming a member of a small faith community.

Denny was a family man. He was truly proud and grateful to be a dad. He built his first house with Vicki so all of their families would always have a safe place to land where beauty, peace, and love would welcome them. He took great pride and love in his first home of his making.

Denny loved all kinds of sports, but his favorites were: NASCAR (Kasye Kahne, Denny Hamlin); football (BSU, KU, KC Chiefs); basketball (KU, BSU); and most recently, bird watching. The grandson’s involvement in cross country, extreme frisbee, and wrestling brought new joy to the sports part of his heart. His enthusiasm for high school sports began with his own participation in football, basketball and baseball; and continued with Autumn and her championship basketball team, Rick’s all-star status as a kicker, PJ and Alyssa with their swimming and with Johna cheerleading them on.

Denny had an irresistible smile, booming voice and undeniable laugh. When asked what do you most want to be remembered for “…my kindness, generosity, and positive outlook on life. My only fear, don’t let me live a life of mediocrity!” Denny and Vicki had many dreams for their future together…

Denny was predeceased by his father, Warren (1993); older brother, Ron (April 15, 2025); and his loving mother, Marian (November 2, 2025).

Denny is survived by the love of his life, Vicki “You’re my Vicki!”; they received the Catholic marriage blessing by Reverend Rob at St. Al’s. Also surviving are Denny’s children: Autumn (Mark), Johna, Richard (Danielle), Patricia Joyce “PJ”, and Alyssa; as well as his Idaho children: Alison, and Matthew (Leanna). He will be forever remembered by his Kansas grandchildren: Dawson (Jill), Alison (Chase), Caleb (Shianne), Emma, Amme, as well as the added blessings of Destany and her children: Dennis, Daisy, and Delilah; Idaho grandchildren (Oma and Grandpa Denny): Carson, Robby, Moses, Isaac, Hope and Ian; He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Diane (Bob); nephew, Ben (Danielle); and sister-in-law, Marla; numerous cousins and other family members.

Denny and Vicki would like to thank Mike and Maria Riddle for their support, kindness, and love before, during, and after this heartbreaking situation.

The family would like to thank St. Al’s Nampa and St. Al’s Boise staff, nurses, and teams of doctors for their extraordinary care of Denny and compassion for the family.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, Meridian, Idaho, Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 am, with Denny’s ashes being placed in the Holy Apostles Columbarium after Mass.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Catholic Charities, ccidaho.org.

cidaho.org.