Dennis Gordan Stefan

    Dennis Gordan Stefan, age 76, passed away on June 3, 2022, at Essentia Health - St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years Nancy, his beloved sons Michael and Anders, and his daughters-in-law.

   Dennis was born in 1946 to Milo and Myrtle Stefan in Crosby, MN. He was the youngest of eight children. He attended school in Crosby-Ironton until ninth grade. Dennis moved to Remer, MN in 1961 with his mother Myrtle and graduated from Remer High School. He attended college at St. Cloud State University where he earned an education degree in Industrial Arts.

   Dennis met Nancy Ulseth their sophomore year of high school. He married his high school sweetheart in 1966. After college, Dennis got his first teaching position at Little Falls High School. Dennis and Nancy built their first home in Royalton where they lived for two years. In 1972 they moved to Mound, MN where he worked with his brother, Vern, at Continental Circuits. Mike and Andy were born during their years in Mound. The family had the opportunity to move to Remer and buy the Remer Trading Post in 1976. They built a beautiful life in Remer where they raised their two sons Mike and Andy on the Ulseth family homestead. Dennis owned several other businesses and retired from Thunder Lake Realty in 2015. He was involved in many community organizations and was a proud citizen of Remer.

   Dennis was an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed trapping, duck hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. He loved to spend time with his friends and family outdoors and raised his sons and grandchildren to also enjoy outdoor activities. He also loved to gather wild rice and make maple syrup.

   Dennis will be remembered for his optimistic spirit, resiliency, work ethic, and devotion to his family. No family member left Dennis without getting a hug and an I love you.

   Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Myrtle Stefan; brothers, Lawrence and Leverne Stefan; and sisters, Esther Jacobson and Joyce Ells. 

Dennis is survived by his wife Nancy, sons, Michael (Jennifer) Stefan, Anders (Jennifer) Stefan; brothers, Milo (Jeanne) Stefan, Donald (late Loretta) Stefan; sister, Patricia (John) Trask; sister-in-law, Sharon Stefan; grandchildren, Troyanna (Bill Edge), Connor, Sasha, Elle, Julia; great grandchildren, Gracelynn and Waylon Edge, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and special niece, Theresa Kennedy, who gave more years to Dennis by donating her kidney.  

   Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Remer, MN followed by the 12:00 p.m. memorial service. Pastor Keith Piller will officiate.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.