Dennis C. Blackstad

On Thursday, January 4, 2024, Dennis ("Denny") Clayton Blackstad, age 72 of Hanska, a loving father, brother, papa, uncle and friend, passed into the arms of the Lord after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His passing came 40 years to the day of his father's passing, a sign from heaven.
Funeral service will be 11 am on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at New Beginnings Church in New Ulm with Pastor Lonny Carpenter officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Hanska.
Visitation will be 4 – 7 pm Wednesday, January 10, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home SOUTH Chapel in New Ulm, and will continue for one hour prior to the time of service at church on Thursday.
To leave an online condolence for his family or to sign the guestbook, go to www.mvfh.org.
Denny was born on December 16, 1951, in New Ulm, Minnesota to Clayton ("Ole") & Virginia (Schmidt) Blackstad. He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1970 and went on to work alongside his father at Kraft Foods in New Ulm, where he worked for 46 years until his retirement in the fall of 2016.
In his younger years, Denny enjoyed the great outdoors, spending hours hunting, fishing and trapping alongside his brother and friends. Trips taken up north with his siblings and grandparents were a highlight of his childhood summers. Denny was able to recreate those summer memories in adulthood with his cousins and close friends.
Later in life, Denny found a love for singing; he is known for carrying the melody as a member of the ForEverly Brothers Tribute Band, which he formed with his brother, Craig. The two took their talents across the Midwest and were a staple in Hanska's annual Syttende Mai Variety Show. Denny passed along his love for all things music to his children, who had the opportunity to perform alongside them on a number of occasions over the years.
Denny was a history buff and a lifelong learner. He loved to read and could often be found holed up with his computer diligently researching whatever piqued his interest that week. He loved old movies, specifically old westerns; if you walked into his house, chances are you'd be greeted by John Wayne or Clint Eastwood.
Denny found joy in the simple things in life, a good cup of coffee, a cigarette and the companionship of his dog, Colt. Denny looked forward to time spent with family and friends and loved being a papa to his two granddaughters.
Denny was a self-proclaimed smart ass ('better than being a dumb ass' as he would say) and wherever he went, laughter followed. He was witty and could often be found engaged in political banter. Denny will be remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor.
Denny is survived by his son, Craig Blackstad of Hanska and his daughter Sadie (Matt) Rice of Delano; two granddaughters, Ellie & Alex Rice; brother Craig (Brenda) Blackstad of Hanska; sister Deb (Bruce) Johnson of Willmar; nieces, Hali (Darin) Coble of Eden Prairie and Kasi Johnson of Mankato; great niece and nephew Evie & Dax Coble; and many loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and many loving relatives.
Blessed be his memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.