Dennis J. Schardt, 75
Dennis J. Schardt, 75, passed away on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at his home in Sagle, Idaho, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint, Idaho, with Pastor Kyle Bostock of North Summit Church officiating. A reception will follow at the Sandpoint Elks Lodge.
Dennis was born on September 29, 1946, in San Francisco, California, to John and Louise Schardt. He graduated from Balboa High School in 1964, and then attended the College of San Mateo. He then went to work for Hunter’s Point Naval Ship Yard while waiting to be drafted, graduated in 1969 as a journeyman shipfitter.
One evening when Dennis came home from working at the shipyard, he found his house had been burglarized and most everything of value was taken. This was a turning point in his life. After calling the Broadmoor Police Department to report the burglary, the officer that took the report suggested he join their reserve program. After his first ride-along, Dennis knew that being a police officer was what he wanted to do.
He applied for the San Francisco Police Department late in 1969 and was sworn in on April 28, 1970, as a San Francisco police officer. He was there until he retired in 2003 with distinction as a lieutenant.
In addition to his regular police assignment, he was assigned a secondary assignment as the department’s liaison and film coordinator for police services to the film industry. Over those concurrent 16 years he became affectionately known to many as “The Lieutenant to the Stars.” Although this secondary assignment of working with many movie stars and producers tended to be more difficult than glamorous, Dennis was very honored. He was dedicated to the San Francisco Police Department as well as to the city and residents of San Francisco.
Dennis married Penny Martin on September 9, 2005, in San Francisco. They purchased a home and moved to Trilogy of Rio Vista, California, in 2005, where they lived until 2016 when they moved to Sagle to be closer to family.
Dennis is a member of North Summit Church, Sandpoint Elks Lodge and past member of the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed horseback riding, singing karaoke, playing blackjack, shooting pool, boating, dancing, traveling, cribbage with friends and socializing.
He is survived by his wife, Penny Schardt of Sagle; and his four children, David Schardt of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Jodie (Charles) Newsom of Sagle (and their mother Linda Loftis) and Kiandra Schardt of Hilo, Hawaii, and John David Schardt of St. Paul, Minnesota, (and their mother Barbara Schardt). He also is survived by four grandchildren, Robert, Genevieve and Teagan Newsom, and Leeam Levy; as well as aunts, cousins and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Schardt; and a sister, Louella Gray.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Dennis’ online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.
In lieu of flowers donations please consider making a donation, which would be greatly appreciated, to Multiple System Atrophy Coalition at multiplesystematrophy.org; or send a check and specify Dennis’ name to MSA Coalition 7918 Jones Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102.