Denise (Conitz) Rieniets, age 50 of Newell SD, formerly of Mandan ND passed away Monday, October 11 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

Denise was born March 6, 1971. She was the daughter of Kenneth and Betty (McLaughlin) Conitz. Denise grew up on the family farm near New Salem, ND. There she fell in love with everything that farm and rural life had to offer. She attended school in New Salem, graduating in 1989. On September 8, 2000, she received the utmost gift in the birth of her son Jacob. Denise's pride and joy was her son, being his biggest fan in all he did.

She had a special place in her heart for the elderly, spending many years caring for those that resided in nursing homes and assisted living; providing in-home care for her Grandma at her end of life. She loved animals and always had a dog at her side. It wasn't only dogs that she loved however - when stopping in to see Denise, you might find a couple of dogs, a cat, and maybe even a bird or two.

Denise was outgoing and would take time to visit with everyone. Denise always seemed to know when someone needed a pick me up; reminding you to smile through a note left on a windshield, sending a birthday letter letting you know how much you meant to her, or leaving a gift of jellybeans and a prayer. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed driving country roads, spending many hours relishing all that nature had to offer.

Denise is survived by her son, Jacob; her mother, Betty Mischel; sisters, Danelle Mutchler and Deb (TJ) Steele; nieces, Kayden Steele and Megan Dix; great-niece Josie Dix; nephews Layton Steele, Tyler and Caleb Mutchler, Prestyn Novak, and great-nephew Tilden Mutchler; special friend Richard "Andy" Anderson, and her loyal pal Toby.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilmer and Alma Conitz and John and Hertha McLaughlin; her father, Kenneth Conitz; stepfather, Chuck Mischel, and brother-in-law, J.D. Mutchler.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 7 ^th at 1:00 pm, Newell Evangelical Church.

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