Denny grew up in Gary, MN from 1935 to 1944 when his family moved to Oak Island on Lake of the Woods. He spent six years at the Oak Island Resort, which his parents owned and operated. During this time he attended the one room schoolhouse (U32) on the island and was a fishing guide for the guests of the resort. The family then moved to Portland, Oregon in 1951 where he lived until 1954.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1954, serving as a Radioman 2nd Class (RM2) on the Troop Transport, USS General W. A. Mann (T-AP-112) until 1958. During his enlistment he completed 26 trips to Japan, plus various other Far East locations. His homeport was Seattle, Washington.

In 1959 he moved back to Minnesota where he met his future wife of 37 years and purchased a home overlooking beautiful Prior Lake. Dennis was employed at Minneapolis Honeywell from 1961 until his retirement in 1996. He worked as a Quality Control Inspector at the Stinson Honeywell location.

Denny enjoyed traveling, especially his numerous trips back to Portland, and his September 1994 journey to Norway with his sister, Esther. While in Norway, he was able to explore many wonderful locations, including the birthplace of his father on the small island of Dönna in northern Norway.

He was an avid Amateur Radio Operator (WØVWD), both before and after retirement. He enjoyed walking, biking, fishing, playing horseshoes, and was a member of the local Dan Patch Horseshoe League for the past several years.

Dennis will be greatly missed by; his loving caregiver, Mary Ann Hanson of Prior Lake. Sons, David Michael of Apple Valley. Dale Sydney (Amy) of Prior Lake. Sisters, Diane Wright (Ted) of Portland, OR., Delores Stuart of Boise, ID. Brother, Michael (Iona) Hanson of Milwaukee, OR. Special Friend, Patricia Pyle of Palo, IA., his loyal Golden Retriever, Sam, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding him in death was his birthmother, Hilda M. Hanson (12/17/35). Infant brother, Arthur Vincent (2/18/33). Father and Mother, Ivar (6/08/87) & Charlotte (4/18/88) Hanson. Brother, Sydney I. Hanson (8/15/72). Sisters, Irene K. Johnson (10/16/79), & Esther E. Spaits. (2/08/99)

Services held 11:00 Friday. July 23, 1999 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, where Dennis had been a member since 1972. Pallbearers were Kevin, Syd, and Nicholas Hardy. Donald Stocker, Jeffrey Pyle, and Lloyd Rennix