Dennis Henry Barbian, D.D.S, 71, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and dentist extraordinaire, finished his earthly sojourn on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012.

He began this life on Feb. 16, 1941, in Burlington, Wis., born to parents Harry and Irene (Kretschmer) Barbian. Within a short time, brothers Dale and David joined him and the three boys gave their mother many gray hairs with their exploits. Soon, sister Darlene, then another brother, Dean, completed the family.

The family lived in one of the oldest houses in Burlington with an uphill backyard. The boys honed their skills as baseball players by hitting uphill. When they got to a level playing field, they hit many long balls. The children attended St. Mary's Catholic School and Church just across a busy street.

When Dennis was 16, he got his first job as a pin setter at a local bowling alley. He was always a hard worker and was known for his integrity.

Soon after graduating from high school in 1959, he joined the U.S. Army, where he drove trucks and defended the demilitarized zone in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

While growing up he enjoyed going hunting for deer with his father and friends. Because he loved the outdoors, he decided to go to college in the West where there was lots of rugged outdoors and hunting opportunities.

It was at Utah State University that he met his wife of 46 years, Carol Johnson. They were married one week after graduation. That fall they headed to St. Louis where Dennis attended Washington University Dental School. He had decided to pursue a profession that took advantage of his liking for science and working with his hands. He graduated in 1970 and Dennis and Carol headed to Missoula with new son Kent to establish his dental practice.

He became a much respected and loved dentist and member of the communities of Missoula and Stevensville and church-going Catholic. He couldn't shake off his legacy of farming, so in 1972 the young family moved to a farm near Stevensville. They raised cows and calves, hay to feed them, and horses to go recreate in the mountains, while Dennis maintained his dental practice in Missoula. Dennis and Carol added son Eric, daughter Michelle, son Scott and daughter Kristel, all of whom graduated from Stevensville except Kristel who graduated from Loyola in Missoula. They were all outstanding students and athletes. Dennis taught the children about hard work and doing a good job, and that they didn't want to be farmers when they grew up. He instilled these values plus honesty, fairness, generosity, helpfulness, compassion, love of the outdoors and importance of family who loved them.

After the children graduated high school and went on to college, careers and marriage, Dennis and Carol moved back to Missoula in 2006. Dennis retired shortly afterward, having practiced for 35 years. His patients were sad to see him retire and many have remarked that they have never found a better dentist.

Dennis enjoyed his grandchildren, relaxing at Big Sky Lake, fixing things and traveling to Belize, Honduras, Hawaii and Brazil.

He is survived by his wife Carol; children; Kent, Eric, Michelle (Chris Pederson), Scott (Juliana) and Kristel (Tom Kinder); grandchildren, Kyle, Katelyn, Trevor, Brock, Bryce, Aubrey, Isaac and Benjamin; three brothers, Dale, David and Dean and sister Darlene and their families, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended families and many friends.

His parents Harry and Irene preceded him to heaven and welcomed Dennis there. He is now at peace and pain free.

Viewing will be at Garden City Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, followed by interment at St. Mary Cemetery. A reception will follow back at church at Reidy Hall and all family and friends are welcome.

Source - Missoulian - Nov 30, 2012