Denny Ofstedahl

Dennis (Denny) John Ofstedahl, age 71, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda (Picht) Ofstedahl; his three daughters, Jessica Franco, Abigail (Wes Rivers) Ofstedahl, and Paige (Andrew) Knight; and his six grandchildren: Elianna and Esmé Franco; Seraphina and Andreas Rivers; and Maren and Jade Knight. Denny is also survived by his siblings Joan Beecken and Eric Ofstedahl. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Ofstedahl, and brother-in-law Dave Beecken.

Denny was born on February 1st, 1953 and grew up on a dairy farm in Holmen, Wisconsin. It was a family affair, with his siblings and cousins spending their formative years together milking cows, tending the fields, and finding respite in the creek hollows. Denny was active in 4H, participated in wrestling, played the trombone, and sang in choir.

Denny graduated from Holmen High School in 1971 and went on to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. His studies included a year at Hothorpe Hall in England. He graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor's Degree in Religion and Psychology. Shortly after, he started working for Mississippi Valley Airlines in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, where he met his wife, Linda. The two were married on August 22, 1981, in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

The couple began their life together in Moline, Illinois, where they welcomed their first daughter, Jessica. They later moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, where they both worked for Air Wisconsin Airlines and welcomed their second daughter, Abigail. In total, Denny and Linda worked together in the airline industry for 12 years.

In 1989, the family settled in Apple Valley, Minnesota - a place they would call home for the next 35 years - and welcomed their youngest daughter, Paige. Denny worked for Mesaba Airlines for 23 years and then Endeavor Airlines for the past 11 years. Overall, Denny spent over four decades in the airline industry, dedicating his career to airline safety and evaluation and becoming a friend and mentor to many.

At home and in his community, Denny enjoyed gardening, reading, photography, and stayed active by refereeing soccer games, running, biking, and hiking. He had a natural curiosity about the world, was a life-long learner, and enjoyed traveling. He was a man of faith and a devoted member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, where he led bible studies with his "brothers," organized retreats in the great outdoors, and volunteered at the food shelf and on Habitat for Humanity builds. He had a gentle nature and a calm demeanor, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Above all else, there was no greater joy for him than his children and grandchildren. While his daughters were young, the family spent time together camping in their pop-up camper, attending one another's sporting and school events, and running through airports to make standby flights. He was their number one fan on and off the field. With his grandchildren, "Grandpa" had unlimited energy and love to give which he expressed in many different ways; singing, reading, playing and caring for them whenever they were together, moments he absolutely cherished.

A memorial service to celebrate Denny's life will be held at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 11 2025 at 11:30am, with visitation beginning at 10:30am.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or Feeding America.