While working in Cavalier, he met his one and only true love, Alfrieda Stegman, “the blonde” waitress in the adjoining cafe where he would wash dishes to get a free meal. The story Frieda tells is that he swooned her by saying, “Bring me a Bubble Up and I will love you forever.” She did, and the two married on June 24, 1960, in Neche, ND. Together they had three children, Brenda, Robert, and Angela.
He worked for a local hardware store for five years, owned a grocery store for five years, and drove tanker semi-trucks hauling fuel for 33 years. He had a license to drive anything and could! He was very proud when his son followed suit and enjoyed the miles they drove (and talked) together, before retiring in November 2002.
Dennis was a skilled woodworker and carpenter. In addition to home renovations, he made birdhouse replications (to scale) of homes and churches, and at last count, over 100 wooden rocking horses that he gladly gave away to children of friends, family, neighbors, or anyone who would ask.
Dennis loved his community, those who served his country, a good Western cowboy show, cars, his family, and his Lord Jesus Christ. He passed away on March 16, 2023, in Cavalier. It is no coincidence that he died on 3:16 and would want you all to open your bibles and read John 3:16 today.
He is survived by his wife Frieda, children Brenda (Terry) Ault, Bob (Nancy) Maxwell, and Angie (Brad) Nordstrom. Grandchildren Derek (Wendy) Ault, Brandon (Kelli) Ault, Gavin (Megan) Ault, Andrew Maxwell, Sarah (Brian) Fish, Brandi Veer (Andrew Anderson), Jennifer Maxwell (Chance Hartz), Abigail Nordstrom, Levi Nordstrom, and great-grandchildren who were the apple of his eye: Derek, Avery, Reace, Maggie, Peyton, Leah, Remi, Owen, Sawyer, Jeffrey, Emery and Izabella. Preceding him in death are his parents, father- and mother-in-law, his brother, five brothers-in-law, and many more extended family that he held dear.
Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 19th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm. with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND.