Past District Governor Dennis Kaus is from Mitchell, South Dakota. He graduated from Stickney Public High School and received his A.S. Degree from the University of New York. Dennis is a 20-year graduate of the U. S. Navy, finishing his career as Command Master Chief (E-9). He was fortunate enough to complete an around the world trip in 1995, half by ship and half by plane. Dennis visited over 15 countries and 49 states during his travel.
He joined the Mitchell Lions Club in 1998 and transferred to the Palace City Lions Club in 2005. Dennis attended the Lions International Leadership Institute in 1999. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, board member, zone and region chairman, and is a Certified Guiding Lion. He has attended many State Conventions, USA/Canada Forum, and Lions International Convention.
In recognition of his service he has received numerous awards, including 100% attendance since joining Lions, Verlen D. Lowrie (1999) and Lion of the Year (2000). Dennis received the 1998 Mitchell Veteran of the Year, and the Distinguished Service Award from the City of Spencer. In 1999, he was awarded the South Dakota State DAV Member of the Year. Dennis was the Elks Officer of the Year in 2002. He was Shriner of the Year in 2003.
In addition to his Lions activities, Dennis is active in numerous community organizations as a past president or current officer/member, including Elks, Masons, Shriners, Hillbillies, Toastmasters, DAV, VFW, American Legion, and Habitat for Humanities. In the past, he was with the Ambassador's Club, Governmental Affairs Committee, worked with the 2000 U.S. Census and a Van driver for Veterans.
Dennis is single and has 3 brothers and 2 sisters.
