Dennis Boyd Kottke

Dear family, dear friends, and all who were touched by Dennis's smile and contagious laughter,

On Thursday, June 12th, 2025, Dennis Boyd Kottke, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Words can not describe the emptiness in our hearts.

Dennis graduated from Pine Island High School in 1960. He attended Hamline University, graduating in 1964. He attended the University of South Dakota and the University of Minnesota, earning his degree of Doctor of Medicine. After an internship at St. Mary's Hospital and a three year residency at the Menninger School of Psychiatry, he served two years in the Navy as a lieutenant commander. He practiced psychiatry at the Duluth Clinic and North Dakota State Hospital.

During his internship, a student nurse caught his eye. She became the love of his life and they were married on June 28th, 1969. They became proud parents of four children - Lisa, Heather, Steven and Scott.

Dennis's family was his pride and joy. After supporting their children through countless activities, including tennis, dance, hockey, family vacations and gatherings, Dennis and Patty proceeded to do the same with their beloved grandchildren, attending nearly every football, hockey, tennis, swimming, dance and baseball event in which they participated.

Dennis enjoyed all Minnesota sports, especially the Vikings. He was challenged by game shows, including Jeopardy (often competing with his grandson, Luke), and Wheel of Fortune. Dennis and Patty were also known to turn on a Hallmark movie, or two, or three...

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patty, children Lisa Humphreys, Heather (Joe) Hietala, Steven (Alecia) Kottke, and Scott (Shanna) Kottke; grandchildren Luke, Josie, E.J., Nolan, Aili, Annabelle, Hans, Huck, and Ryan; and brother-in-law John Torvund (Terry), niece and nephews Shaney, Winter and Austin.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Josephine, and his siblings Bruce, Rachel and Harley.

A visitation will be held at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 55805, on Thursday, June 19th, from 12:00 - 1:00, followed by his service at 1:00.

The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at the Essentia Health Cardiac ICU for their unparalleled care.