Dennis Hubert VanUden was born on January 21, 1954, the son of Hubert and Deborah (Bot) VanUden of Marshall, Minnesota. Dennis graduated from Cottonwood High School and continued to work around the area, later going into full time farming with his brother. He was proud of the fact that he had stood strong in his sobriety for the last thirty-six years.
Dennis had a true passion for farming, enjoying the daily tasks of caring for the land and machinery. When he was not busy with farm work, he could be found surfing the net or playing word games and puzzles on his iPad. A road trip to the casino was never turned down as well as a walk outside to enjoy nature. Napping by the fireplace or chatting with friends or family took up segments of his day. It was while eating out for dinner with his brother that Dennis struck up a conversation that included lots of banter with his future bride, Linda. They both had quick wit and were able to joke and visit for hours. This union gave Dennis a son, Sheldon, and a daughter, Jessina would later make the family complete. The two were married on April 1, 2000.
Dennis was known among family and friends as a gentle giant. He was a soft hearted teddy bear with a caring and kind heart. He enjoyed puttering on various projects. He at times was a mischievous person, with a grin that usually meant he was up to something. This caring man with a grin on his face will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Dennis passed away unexpectedly at the Avera-Heart Hospital, on Friday, December 7, 2018. He is survived by the love of his life, Linda; daughter, Jessina; son, Sheldon Evers; siblings, Anthony (Kathie) VanUden, Mary Bump, Janet (Robert) Bossuyt, Teresa (David) Schulte, Geraldine (Glenn Nelson) VanUden; many nieces and nephews, including great and great-greats; and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Deborah; sister, Gertrude “Trudy†Pry; brother, Henry “Hank†VanUden.
