Photo courtesy of Nelson Funeral Homes - Fessenden
Fessenden, North Dakota
Jul 6, 1944 – Nov 18, 2020 (Age 76)
Dennis ‘Dutch’ DeJong, 76, Fessenden, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at West Fargo, surrounded by his loving family. A private service will be held Monday, November 23 at 11:00 A. M. at the Bowdon Community Church of God in Bowdon. This service will be live-streamed on the Bowdon Community Church of God facebook page. Public visitation will be held Sunday, from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden. CDC recommendations including social distancing, wearing masks, hand sanitizing and staying away if not feeling well are encouraged. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Fargo on Saturday, November 28 at 1:00 P.M.
Dennis Lee DeJong, son of Charles and Viola (Mews) DeJong was born July 6, 1944 in Sioux Falls, SD. He grew up on the family farm north of Sioux Falls and received his early education in a nearby country school. He then attended Lyons Public School where he was active in football, basketball and track throughout his four years of high school. Growing up on the farm, Dennis and his brothers worked with their father taking care of the farm which included milking over thirty cows.
Following his graduation from Lyons High School in 1962, Dennis enrolled at Dakota State College in Madison , SD. While in college, he met the love of his life, Karla Runge. On February 1, 1964 they were married in Colton, SD. After graduating from college with a degree in education, Dennis accepted a teaching position at Castlewood, SD. In addition to teaching History and Sciences, he coached most of the sports and served as Athletic Director.
In 1975, Dennis decided to make a change. He accepted a job with Millers First Insurance Company as a grain elevator inspector and moved with his family to Fessenden, ND. In 2002, he began working for Farmers Union Insurance as a risk adjuster and continued until his retirement in 2010.
Dennis’s family and faith were his priorities. His vacations usually consisted of camping, hunting and fishing trips with his family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sports and activities. He and Karla faithfully attended the Bowdon Community Church of God.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Karla; his children, Chad (Jessica) DeJong of Fargo, Jennifer (Jeff) Iverson of West Fargo and Brad (Jennifer) DeJong of West Fargo; 8 grandchildren, Jonah and Grace DeJong, Jordan and Jadyn Iverson, and Christian, Joseph ‘Chippy’, Johnathan and Carolyn DeJong; special family friend, Kayla Houchin; brother, Harvey (Marcy) DeJong of Sioux Falls, SD; and 2 sisters, Kay (Walt) Hanisch of Humboldt, SD and Pam Blakney of Harrisburg, SD.
Dennis was preceded in death by a baby daughter, Theresa Maria; his parents, Charles and Viola; and 3 brothers, Marlin, Kendall; and infant brother Michael.
In lieu of flowers, the DeJong family prefers memorials be given to Ethos Hospice Care or Midwest Parkinson’s Initiative of Fargo.
Online condolences may be shared at nelsonfuneralhomes.com
Read MoreTo the DeJong family; Mr. DeJong, as I knew him as a high school student, was a good man who taught more than just in the classroom. He was the coach of two consecutive state champs in track and his 1970 football team was undefeated and ranked as the top 9-man team for South Dakota. So sorry for your loss.
Charles Raasch
December 07, 2020 | Alexandria, VA | Student
Karla, Chad, Jennifer and Brad
I was so sadden to hear of Dennis’ death. Just wanted you to know I have been thinking about you and Send my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Ardys Horner
Ardys Horner
December 01, 2020 | Detroit Lakes, MN
I worked with Dutch 30+ years. Great person, all would be proud to call him your dad!
Dave Bauer
November 30, 2020 | Victoria, MN | Coworker
Sending our sympathy. We have lived on the DeJong farm since they moved off. Gail and Pete had lots of good things to say about Denny. Brother in law Pete was pretty proud of his big brother. Sincerely, Dale and Rhonda Page
Dale and Rhonda Page
November 25, 2020 | Colton, SD | Friend
My sincere condolences to you Brad & Jen and family on the loss of your dad, Dennis. from Scott & Gayle Carlson, some of your Atonement family.
Gayle
November 23, 2020 | Fargo, ND | Friend
He was a wonderful man,he was the first kid I really loved taking care of. I spent a lot of time working for his parents and also stayed there. Time changes things and I married a wonderful man who was in the marines at the time and our life's took and abrupt turn,going in complete opposite direction .I never forgot him and he was alway a very special person to me, he had a heart of gold my sympathies to you all. His dad was my oldest brothers boy
Frieda bos
November 22, 2020 | Beresford, SD
Dear Karla, Chad, Jennifer, and Brad,
We are so saddened by the death of our dear friend, Denny. He was a huge part of our life in Fessenden. We have so many great memories of camping, hunting, fishing, church, and family gatherings. He taught us how to “spin yarns”. Blessed be the memory of Dennis DeJong.
Karen and Rich Axvig
November 22, 2020 | Grand Forks, ND | Friend
Karla, Chad, Jenny and Brad,
I just want to send my thoughts, prayers and sympathies to you. Denny was a great person and just an all round kind person. I remember his laugh and also how he would be so nice and kind each time I'd be at your house with Jenny while growing up, Always saying HI and goodbye. Know that he's now shining down on all of you and up there with all the good old men from Fessenden. Hugs to you all. God has a pretty good crew looking after all of us.
Dawn (Kro) Wold
November 21, 2020 | West Fargo, ND | Friend
Our heart felt sympathy to the family, so hard to loose a partner/parent/friend. May your memories give you comfort.
May God’s grace help you through the coming days. Take care.
Mark & Karol Reddig
November 21, 2020 | Salem, SD | Friend
