Rich Dennis, age 55 of Prior Lake, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family the afternoon of January 26, 2017. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service led by Lindsey Ballard at 4:00 PM, and the celebration will continue into the night. Everything will be held on the ice behind Rich’s home on Spring Lake. Parking and shuttle services are available at Friendship Church (17741 Fairlawn Avenue; Prior Lake, MN). Memorials are preferred and will be distributed by Rich’s family in his honor.
On October 19, 1961, Doyle and Ada Dennis welcomed their son, Richard Arthur Dennis, into the world. From the moment he was born, Rich was free-spirited and didn’t conform to conventional norms. He loved growing up in Mankato with his siblings, Terry, Tammy and Paula. As a boy, Rich enjoyed spending summers working on his uncle Dean’s farm in South Dakota. Rich was a talented athlete; he played basketball, ran track and excelled in football.
After graduating from Mankato East High School in 1980, Rich attended Dakota County Vo-Tech and earned his degree in photography. He was also the star football player for Inver Hills Community College. During his time with the team he was approached by the MN Vikings to try out for the professionals, but Rich declined and pursued his passion for photography.
Rich was managing a photo lab when he met Tammy. They hit it off immediately and were married in 1987. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Samantha and Thomas. Rich settled with his family in Prior Lake and began working construction.
He worked several different construction jobs before finding his niche in demolition. After a few years, Rich decided to start his own business, Dennis Environmental . Rich was quickly the industry leader when it came to safe abatement of asbestos and other hazardous materials. He earned many high-profile jobs and was especially proud of the work his team completed at the Sears Building, Foshay Tower and the U of M. Rich eventually had 30 employees and was running one of the most successful business in the industry. He had a hard-working crew, and all his employees absolutely loved him!
After more than 15 years of marriage, Rich and Tammy went their separate ways but remained close through their children. Rich loved being a father, and loved his kids more than anything. He instilled a strong work ethic in his kids and taught them the importance of family. Rich treated everyone with kindness, and all were welcome at his house. This became even more true when Rich moved to Spring Lake and began working on his next big project, his home. Rich loved to salvage old pieces from demolitions and repurpose them at his house. His home is full of treasures he restored himself.
One evening, Rich saw a beautiful woman walking through the neighborhood. He quickly decided he better start walking the neighborhood in order increase his chances of running into her. Their paths eventually crossed, and Rich met the love of his life, Shelly. Their love grew deeper every day, and they quickly realized they were soulmates. Rich also embraced Shelly’s daughters, Lindsey and Amelia. After four years together, Rich and Shelly were married at Spring Lake on August 9, 2014.
Rich had many interests and passions in his life. He loved cooking, gardening and canning vegetables. Rich was an avid hunter and enjoyed annual trips to South Dakota and Alaska hunting with family and friends. He loved doing anything outside and especially enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, enjoying sunsets and star gazing. It didn’t matter what Rich was doing as long as he was doing it with the people he loved.
Rich was a strong man, but he had a soft-soul. He was completely selfless and always put others before himself. Rich was a mentor and friend to many. He will be deeply missed and remembered always by his wife and soul-mate, Shelly Dennis; children, Samantha Dennis and Tom (Hannah Mahowald) Dennis; Shelly’s daughters, Lindsey and Amelia Anderson; siblings, Terry (Deanna) Dennis, Tammy Dennis, and Paula Pasbrig; nieces and nephews; other loving relatives and many dear friends. Rich is preceded by his parents, Doyle and Ada Dennis.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Dennis family.
