SIDNEY - Dennis Brothers, a longtime radio engineer for KSID Radio, passed away last weekend. He was 81.

Brothers, whose career in electronics spanned nearly 50 years, played a key role in keeping KSID on the air while owned by Susan Ernest.

“Dennis was a true lifesaver,” Ernest said. “When I first came to KSID in 2000, the engineer we had wouldn’t return my calls. My husband told me about Dennis, who had fixed his Motorola radios for the farm. I called Dennis, not realizing he had actually built Harris Transmitters."

Ernest says Brothers agreed to help with any transmitter issues at the radio station, studio wiring and "countless other electronic problems."

“He helped me in so many ways over the 20 years I was at KSID," Ernest said. "I am forever grateful and will miss him greatly. My condolences to his wife Pat, his children and grandchildren.”

Born Feb. 9, 1943, in Kimball, Neb., Brothers grew up in rural Nebraska and graduated from Dix High School in 1961. He studied electronics at Milford Technical School, which led to a position with Collins Rockwell in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1976, Brothers returned to Potter to farm with his father while continuing his passion for electronics.

He founded Western Nebraska Electronics, which he operated until his death. The business became the only certified Collins Rockwell repair center in the United States.

"Dennis added a sense of calm to my life when I first began in radio," Station Manager Hunter Arterburn said. "I knew who to call if we were dealing with technical issues or were off the air. Dennis always said, 'I'll go check it out.' Shortly after, we were back on. We echo our thoughts and prayers to Dennis' family. We know he'll keep us on the air up there. Thank you for everything."

Brothers married Patricia Ann Fischer on Nov. 1, 1975, in Anamosa, Iowa. They have four children and their spouses: Dena, Darren, Dan and Kerri, along with five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending and will be announced by Gehrig-Stitt and Cremation Services.