Dennis Carl Wandrei

Obituary

Dennis Carl Wandrei was born on June 29, 1940, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Arnold and Christine (Exsted) Wandrei.  Dennis was baptized on July 14, 1940, by Rev. Streufert and later was confirmed in his faith on April 11, 1954, by Rev. A.H. Fellwock both at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.  He received his education in Glencoe, Minnesota, graduating on May 28^th with the Glencoe High School Class of 1958.  Dennis enlisted in the United States Army on August 7, 1958 and was stationed in Korea.  He received his honorable discharge on July 12, 1960.  He attained the rank of U.S. Army SP4.

On January 7, 1961, Dennis was united in marriage to Joan Ortloff by Rev. A.H. Fellwock at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.  The couple made their home in Glencoe, Minnesota.  Dennis and Joan were blessed with three children, Daniel, Debra and Lynn.  They shared almost 56 years of marriage. 

Dennis worked at Green Isle Manufacturing for 22 years until the plant was sold and closed and then he purchased a grocery store, Denny’s Market in Brownton which he and his wife ran for 15 years.  Since retirement, Dennis worked summers at Seneca until this fall.  He was a lifelong member at First Evangelical Lutheran Church serving as usher for many years.  Dennis was a very active member of the Glencoe American Legion Post #95, acting as Honor Guard Commander and was also an active lifetime member of the Glencoe VFW Post #5102 holding the position of adjutant and served on their honor guard.  He enjoyed being a member of the Glencoe Sportsmen’s Club. 

Dennis was a sweet, quiet and witty man with a dry sense of humor.  He enjoyed sports especially the Minnesota Vikings, Gophers and Twins.  Dennis also loved to go fishing, play sheephead and Elvis.  He cherished the time spent with family and friends.

Dennis passed away on Friday, December 30, 2016, at Glencoe Regional Health Services in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 1 day.

Blessed is his memory.

Dennis is survived by his:
Wife, Joan Wandrei of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Daniel Wandrei and his wife, Sally, of Shakopee, MN,
Debra Steen and her husband, Steven, of Eden Prairie, MN,
Lynn Clay and her husband, Sean, of Elk River, MN;
Grandchildren, Tanner Steen, Spencer Steen, Chase Clay, Cruise Clay;
Brother, Kenneth Wandrei and his wife, Barbara, of Savage, MN;
Sister, JoAnn Lipke of Glencoe, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends.

Dennis is preceded in death by his Parents, Arnold and Christine Wandrei; Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law, Clarence and Elsie Ortloff; Brother-In-Law, Fred Lipke; Sisters-In-Law, Betty (Delmer) Wittenberg, Ilo (Eddie) Winterfeldt, Vivian (Maynard) Trocke, Yvonne (Harlan) Dammann.