General Information
Full Name: Dennis “Denny” Swartz
Date of Birth: July 2, 1941
Date of Death: December 23, 2012
Denny’s life story
Dennis “Denny” Swartz
Born on Wednesday, July 2, 1941 in Hampton, Iowa, Denny was the son of Lowell and Pearl Swartz. He was the older of two children.
In 1959, he graduated from Hampton High School and furthered his education at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and at Chicago Technical College. Denny earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Most of Denny’s career was spent as an architect for Ellerbe in Minneapolis for 35 years, retiring in 2000.
Through a family friend, Denny meet his true love, Rosie Gallati. On a Thursday night before Memorial Day weekend in 1966, they met for the first time over a cup of coffee. On May 6, 1967 at First Christian Church in Minneapolis, Denny and Rosie exchanged wedding vows. They were truly blessed on June 13, 1971, with their son, Mike. Mike married Beth Campbell on August 28, 2004. They have 2 daughters, Mallory and Brenna who were grandpa’s pride and joy.
As a woodworker, Denny loved to spend countless hours in the shop. He enjoyed spending time as a member of The Minnesota Woodworkers Guild. Denny enjoyed landscaping his yard with numerous flowers, but roses were his passion. An avid reader, he indulged in mystery, suspense and early presidential history. He also enjoyed photography.
Denny and Rosie have participated in 10 Road Scholar Programs traveling all over the United States and Canada. Of all the areas they have been, the North Shore of Lake Superior is their favorite spot.
Denny was a very caring, trustworthy and passionate husband, dad and grandpa. He was 71, when he passed away quietly in the presence of his family the afternoon of Sunday, December 23, 2012 at The Lodge of Natchez in Elko, MN.
Sincerely missed and remembered always by those who loved Denny, his wife of 47 years, Rosie of Prior Lake; son, Mike (Beth) Swartz of Shakopee; grandchildren, Mallory and Brenna; brother, Gary (Colleen Hamilton) Swartz of Ames, IA; other relatives and friends.
Denny is preceded in death by his parents.
The family will greet guests on Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 12 (noon) -3 pm, with a gathering at 1:30 pm all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN. Jean Breeggemann will be the celebrant.
The Swartz family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation Time
When: Sunday, December 30, 2012
12:00 Noon – 3:00 pm
Location: Ballard – Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Gathering Time
When: Sunday, December 30, 2012
1:30 pm
Location: Ballard – Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
