Dennis Haukoos

Dennis Gene Haukoos of Lakeville, MN, age 88, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 19. There will be a private family service held on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Dennis was born on July 16, 1936, to Millard and Bernice Haukoos in Walters, MN. He attended school in Kiester and graduated in 1954. Dennis loved running and his specialty was the half mile race. He placed 2nd at state as a junior and 3rd place as a senior against all the top runners in MN. 

He attended Mankato State University and ran on the track team.

Dennis and Inez met in high school and were married in 1958. They moved to Albert Lea and raised their three children, Lori, Peter and Kari.

Dennis worked at Miami Margarine and Holsum Foods as Traffic Manager.

Dennis and Inez loved to spend time at the family cabin on St. Olaf Lake, boating, skiing, fishing and bonfires. Dad was so patient with Pete and Kari’s friends as they would attempt water-skiing!

Dennis was a member of the Elks club and enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, bowling and listening to music.

After retirement, he and Inez moved to Lakeville, MN to be closer to their kids and grandkids. You could always find Dennis outside, tending to the landscaping, flowers and many bird feeders.

Dennis loved being a grandpa and he and Inez would attend every dance recital, concert, basketball game, baseball game, swim meet and golf and tennis matches.

Dennis and Inez enjoyed hosting family celebrations and holidays, filled with many Norwegian dishes and desserts.

They loved traveling in retirement. Favorite trips included Norway, Germany and other parts of Europe.

Dad was known for his awesome smile and kindness. He loved talking to people, all the way to the end of his life.

Dennis is survived by son Peter (Pam) Haukoos, daughter Kari (Gerald) Anderson, grandchildren Kirsten (Brady) Schultz, Anders Haukoos, Tor (Kinsie) Anderson, Kaia (Pete) Nordgren and Gunnar Anderson; 5 great-grandchildren: Breckyn, Brogan and Brenley Schultz and Decker and Braylee Anderson, sister Pat Haugh, brother Ron (Mary) Haukoos and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Inez, daughters, Lori Ann and Kari Lynn, parents Millard and Bernice Haukoos, sisters Maxine Savick, Betty Dylla, Bev Dylla, Jan Seay and Marcia Schorman and niece Sarah Haukoos.