Dennis Gough

Dennis Joe Gough, born on July 6, 1939, in Canova, South Dakota to Jennings and Hazel Gough, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 3. Dennis grew up on a working farm in Canova, SD, where he shared his childhood with his two older sisters and brother. Educated in a single-room schoolhouse, Dennis faithfully completed his farm chores, showed 4H cattle, and enjoyed hunting pheasants with uncles and neighbors.

Dennis pursued higher education at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering while being an active member of Triangle Fraternity. During his college years, he met his sweetheart and lifelong partner, Ada Borgum. They married in Rapid City, SD in 1960.

After graduation, Dennis began his career with IBM in St. Paul, MN, where he and Ada welcomed their sons, Gregory and Michael. Dennis was soon recruited by his colleagues to join Electronic Data Systems (EDS), an innovative technology company based in Dallas, TX. In Dallas, Dennis and Ada became active members of Central Lutheran Church, forging friendships that would last a lifetime.

The family later moved to Camp Hill, PA, where their daughter Kimberly was born. Returning to Dallas, Dennis rose through the executive ranks at EDS, becoming Senior Vice President of Sales. The family cherished their trips between Texas and South Dakota in their beloved wood-paneled station wagon.

Dennis was recruited to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, where the family enjoyed outdoor sports like skiing and ice skating. He later rejoined EDS, bringing the family back to Dallas. Upon retiring from EDS in 1996, Dennis continued to nurture lifelong friendships with his colleagues.

In retirement, Dennis actively served the Dallas community through the North Dallas Rotary Club and as Council President for Central Lutheran Church. He and Ada were avid travelers, visiting destinations such as Acapulco, Hawaii, London, China, and Ada’s relatives in Norway and Sweden.

Dennis was known for his competitive spirit, whether vying for the neighborhood Yard of the Month award, playing a winning hand in Hearts, grilling a perfect steak, or playing a round of golf with his friends at the Dallas Athletic Club. In 2004, Dennis and Ada relocated to Hendersonville, NC where they embraced the changing seasons and enjoyed apple picking with grandkids in the fall.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Jennings and Hazel, his sister Ardath Nelson, and brother Charles. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Ada; son Greg (Ann) and their children Katherine and Robert; their son Mike (Amy) and their children Julie, Laura, and Kristen; and their daughter Kim (Gary) Tompkins and their children Lauren (Coleman) and Melanie; his sister Joyce Knudson; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his trusty canine companion, Mitzi.

Dennis will be remembered as a man of faith, a devoted husband and father, a steadfast friend, and an active leader at work and in the community. His legacy of love, leadership, and laughter will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Foundation, which benefits different missions, charities and scholarships that Dennis loved and supported; 1245 6th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739, online at gracehendersonville.com or by clicking HERE; or to a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 pm at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.