Dennis Sundlee

Dennis Sundlee, of Montevideo, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 79.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Pastor Donald S. McKee officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Arrangements are with Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo.  www.andersontebeest.com

Dennis Jerome Sundlee was born April 23, 1944 in Montevideo, MN to Sigurd and Esther (Haugen) Sundlee. He was baptized at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Boyd, MN and confirmed at Our Saviours Lutheran Church of Baxter. Denny attended and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1961. He entered into the workforce after high school and was united in marriage to LaVonne Kaupang on May 8, 1964 at Clarkfield Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, MN. They made their home in Montevideo where Denny enlisted into the United States National Guard in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1971. He then worked for MTI for over 25 years overseeing inventory. Denny bought into Monte Tire which was owned by his brother Merrill and worked there for a short while. Most recently, his last endeavor was real estate from which he retired.

Denny grew up on a farm west of town and had fond memories of helping out with farming from the time he was a young child. Denny was an avid sports fan and loved watching and playing sports of all kinds. His favorite being the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, and the Gophers football and basketball teams. Denny was an exceptional bowler, scoring a 300 game in his lifetime. He also loved golfing and did so frequently with his wife. Denny loved playing cards with his family and friends, Buck being his favorite. He always enjoyed the camaraderie that was shared between him and his golfing and bowling buddies through the years. LaVonne and Denny enjoyed their time traveling together and were able to visit over 30 US States as well as travel to Mexico a few times and the Dominican Republic. He took great pride in having the cleanest car in town inside and out. The running joke was if you needed a car wash, park it in Denny and LaVonne’s driveway and he would take care of it. Denny enjoyed talking to and joking around with anyone and everyone. He was known to be the last one out of an event. Denny was also known for his thick head of black hair back in the day. As an old friend once said when asked if it was windy out on the golf course, “yes, it’s so windy outside the only thing not moving is Denny Sundlee’s hair.” Most of all, Denny was proud of the family he raised and loved nothing more than being with his children and grandchildren. He was never afraid to get down on the floor and play with Chris and Cali when they were little, in fact they gave him a run for his money when they would jump on his back. This relationship only flourished even more over the years. He had a kind heart and was known for his quick wit, one-liners, and his infectious smile and laugh. Denny was such a bright light in this world, one that will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, LaVonne; daughter, Darci (Nathan) Molde; grandchildren, Christopher (Heather) Molde and Cali Molde (significant other Grayson); sister, Sharon Olson; brother, Loren (Deb) Sundlee; sister-in-law, Shirley Sundlee; and many extended family and friends.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Sigurd and Esther Sundlee; son, Derek Sundlee; brothers, Orlin (Verna), Kenneth (Deloris), Merrill; sister, MaryAnn (Gordon) Jaenisch; brother-in-law, Rollie Olson; father and mother-in-law, Konie and Vesta Kaupang; and brother-in-law, Russell Kaupang.