Dennis J. Heidrich, 57 of Sanford FL. Passed away March 11, 2015 at his home. Dennis was born April 13, 1957, the son of Max and Irene (Hager) Heidrich, Strasburg ND, and grew up on the family farm. He attended St. Ben's Elementary School and graduated from Emmons Central High School in 1975. He attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, graduating with a B.S. degree, and the National University of San Diego CA, graduating with an M.A. degree. Dennis joined the United States Navy in 1983, and was an Electronics Technician / Career Counselor. In September 1986, Dennis was deployed on the USS Missouri BB-63. On this deployment, the USS Missouri traveled 24, 787 nautical miles and made port visits to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Sydney, Hobart, Albany, and Perth Australia; Diego, Garcia; Port Suez, Egypt; Istanbul, Turkey; Naples, Italy; Palma, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Cristobal and Balboa Panama. The successes realized by the Navy and the United States diplomatic corps during this deployment were significant. This mission designated Dennis as a Trusty Golden Shellback, and he was duly initiated into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep. The completed deployment stood as one of the most unique shakedown cruises in peace time annals. Having completed 10 years in the US Navy in 1993, he started his civilian career as Regional Service Manager for Circuit City in Fountain Valley, CA and later Regional Manager for Pacific Coin in Van Nuys, CA. He moved to Jacksonville, FL and graduated from the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2004. His new career was started with the Department of Children and Families as Law Clerk and later as Senior Attorney. Dennis relocated to Sanford, FL and worked as a Public Defender. Dennis enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid cyclist, taking every chance he had to ride. His love of the water took him and his kayak on many voyages downstream, upstream, or wherever a stream could be found. His bike and kayak never left his vehicle as to not miss an opportunity to do what he loved best. Grateful to have shared his life are his Mother, Irene Heidrich, Strasburg, ND. Brothers, Clarence (Mary Faye) Heidrich, Sahuarita, AZ. Timothy (Arlene) Heidrich, Monroe, NC. Sister Sharon Heidrich, Bismarck, ND. Nieces and Nephews Stacy (John) Atnip, Tucson, AZ. Shannon (Loren) Arnesen, Aberdeen, SD. Patty (Kevin) Hawley, Ryan Heidrich, Sahuarita, AZ. Heidi (Sean) McDermaid, Waxhaw, NC. Heith Heidrich, Charlotte, NC. Peter Kelsch III, Beth Kelsch, Gary Snook, Bismarck, ND. Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Max Heidrich, maternal and paternal Grandparents, Joseph and Margaret Hager, and Max and Philomena Heidrich. Dennis's wish was to be cremated. Funeral services and burial will be held Saturday, March 28th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Strasburg, ND. A prayer service will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at the church.We will miss you D.A. May you ride every mountain to the top, and may you float down every stream. Know that you are loved, and will always hold a special place in our hearts for our "silent one."