Dennis Schwieters, age 66, of Prior Lake, MN, passed unexpectedly on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in Minneapolis, MN.
A visitation will be on Tuesday, February 9, from 4-6 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and on Wednesday, February 10, from 10-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Masks are required. Father Tom Walker will preside. Dennis will be laid to rest at a family burial at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, in LaMoure, ND.
The amazing life of Dennis began on June 15, 1954, in Sauk Center, MN. The fifth of twelve children to Herbert and Aurelia (Stalboerger), he grew up on the family farm with siblings, Tom, Richard, Bob, Harvey, Joel, John, Leo, Phillip, Mary, Caroline, and Gloria. Working on the farm, Dennis quickly learned the core significance of working hard and dedication. These values along with having a strong sense of family and a deep faith eventually lead him down a path of success. He enjoyed pick up baseball on the farm, playing little league and legion ball. Dennis loved golfing and playing cards with his siblings.
After graduating from Melrose High School in 1972, Dennis continued being a farm hand. In 1975, he moved to the Twin Cities area and accepted a position with his cousin Steve, building homes for Wooddale Builders. Dennis quickly excelled at his craft. In 1984, Dennis sold his Corvette and formed Wentworth Construction. For the next 37 years, he worked hard building a successful business and became a legend in the industry. For Dennis it was more than the day-to-day business, he loved teaching and mentoring people in the construction trade. Dennis’ expertise and influences were also felt well beyond his own company, to his family, extended relatives and especially in the construction field. Dennis enjoyed construction, but looked forward to retiring with his wife, and spending time at their lake home and hunting land with their family.
Dennis’ life was the richest being a husband, father, and grandfather. He married the love of his life, Lorine Kocher on February 14, 1995, in Clearwater, FL. He welcomed with open arms, her children Tim and Ashley. This new formed family was everything to Dennis. He taught them to love unconditionally, be generous and kind to others. Dennis may have been strict as a father and boss but made them who they are today…good people. Life was the fullest becoming a grandpa. He relished being active in their lives and was proud of each of them.
Dennis was an avid NASCAR fan and was passionate about hunting, especially with his brothers and close friends. He was humble, good with jokes and loved making people smile. He was loving, generous, optimistic, and faithful. Dennis always lived life with God being the center, in his marriage, family and business.
The legacy of Dennis will be carried on in the hearts of those he loved the most, wife, Lorine; son, Tim (Rebecca) Hodsdon; daughter, Ashley (Tim) Garnhardt; grandchildren, Wyatt Hodsdon, Everett Hodsdon, Sawyer Hodsdon, Avery Garnhardt, baby boy Garnhardt in March; siblings, Richard (Shari) Schwieters, Bob (Kathy) Schwieters, Joel (Cindi) Schwieters, John (Lynnea) Schwieters, Leo (Robin) Schwieters, Mary (Kevin) Athmann, Caroline (Dan) Wander, Gloria (Randy) Welle; sister-in-law, Barb Schwieters; and many other loving relatives and friends.
Greeting Dennis home in Heaven are Lorine’s twin daughters, Aloysia and Amanda; parents, Herbert and Aurelia; brothers, Tom, Philip, and Harvey Schwieters.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Schwieters family.
