Dennis Mellesmoen

Dennis LaVern Mellesmoen, age 82, of Silver Bay, MN, passed away on Monday, November 25th, 2024, at Ecumen Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, surrounded by his family.

Dennis was born to Bennie Oliver and Adele {Petersen) Mellesmoen on December 25, 1941, at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, and was raised in Rockwood Township, Sebeka. On June 9th, 1962, Dennis was united in marriage to the love of his life, LaVerna “Vernie” Lou Rentz of Wadena, at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church. They had four children.

In his younger years, Dennis worked on his family farm and for Rentz Trucking delivering lumber and hauling hay and cattle around the state before he and Vernie moved to Silver Bay, in 1964, to work for Reserve Mining Company, which eventually became Northshore Mining, the company Dennis retired from in 1997. After retirement, Dennis and Vernie spent their days traveling to many places, including favorites like Norway, Alaska, Yellowstone, and Branson.

Dennis was very proud of being a volunteer firefighter for the Silver Bay Fire Department. He was a member of Faith Lutheran church and had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing baseball & softball, snowmobiling, camping, ATVing, and watching his beloved MN Twins, Vikings, and Wild. He also enjoyed country music, keeping a clean car, and having his morning coffee along with biscuits & gravy at the local café sharing stories with the guys, but there was nothing he enjoyed more than his family. He spent countless hours watching his children and grandchildren play their sports including football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and soccer. Dennis was known as the “Old Spice Hunter” and had a heart of gold, was hardworking, a gentle soul, caring, loving, and will be deeply missed by family and friends who love him.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Bennie Oliver Mellesmoen and Adele (Mellesmoen) Strike; brothers Dean, Duane, and Delbert. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years and best friend Vernie; children: Michele (Mark) Kroska of White Bear Lake, Jody (Scott) Holmer of Detroit Lakes, Lana (Larry) Fralich of Silver Bay, and Brent (Nancy) Mellesmoen of Avon; six grandchildren: Meaghan and Makenna Kroska, Jordan Fralich, Derek (Hannah), Breanna, and Paris Mellesmoen; sisters: Sharon Gerlach of Fargo, ND and Karen (Dale) Pickar of Park Rapids; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. He was excited to hear of his first great-grandchild expected in January 2025.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Ecumen for their care and compassion shown daily to Dennis and his family.          

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