Dallas Dean Alexenko, 83, Hettinger, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at West River Health Services, Hettinger. There will be a Graveside Service for Dallas at 1 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2025 at Grassy Butte Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery, Grassy Butte. Dallas will be buried next to his parents at Grassy Butte Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery, Grassy Butte.

Dallas was born in Dunn County, North Dakota on June 17, 1941 as the second child to Matt and Emma (Kabanuk) Alexenko. Dallas had an older brother Llewellyn and younger sister Sharon. Dallas lived in his family home from birth until July 1948 when he moved to Grafton State School. He lived at Grafton from July – October 1948. Once returning home from Grafton, Dallas lived in his family home until 1982. Dallas’ mom Emma devoted her life to taking care of Dallas. In 1982 they both became ill with pneumonia. Dallas went from the hospital to the Dickinson Nursing Home where he lived until 1989. In 1989, Dallas moved into an ABLE group home in Dickinson, ND where he lived until moving to the group home in Hettinger January 26, 1999.

Dallas enjoyed his time on the family farm. He developed a great love for anything John Deere Green! Over the years, Dallas collected many John Deere tractors, blankets and décor and decorated his room with his treasures. You would often see Dallas decked out in his John Deere clothing, he always hit the jackpot at Christmas time receiving many John Deere items.

Dallas enjoyed living in the Hettinger community. He and his housemates made many memories together throughout the years. Dallas enjoyed the annual camping trips at Shadehill along with attending the Wake-Up Santa and 4^th of July parades each year with his housemates. Dallas was more of a passive participant but enjoyed watching his friends take part in activities. Dallas enjoyed people and greeted them by reaching out and waving, especially enjoying hugs. For a man who was nonverbal, he showed his housemates and staff what unconditional love was through his vocalizations and hugs.

Dallas took pride in his ‘job’ of being the ‘Keeper of the Birds.’ He purchased many bird feeders and bird baths throughout the years and ensured the bird feeders were filled with birdseed and the bird baths had water. He could sit for hours and watch the birds come and go from his bird feeders. It brought him much joy! Dallas taught us that the simple things in life often bring us the greatest joy. Thanks, Dallas!

Dallas is survived by his sister-in-law, Sharon Alexenko; brother-in-law, Jerry Miller; nieces, Tiffany (Kent Thomas) Alexenko and Resa Miller; nephews Brad (Paulette) Alexenko and Justin (Lori) Miller; great-nephews and nieces; longtime friend, Denelle Hibl, and his ABLE family.

Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Emma; sister, Sharon; brother, Llewelyn; and nephew, Brent Alexenko.