Dennis Ewald Dinse

Dennis Ewald Dinse passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, at Medford Senior Care, with his loving family by his side.

Born on May 25, 1934, in Waseca, MN he was the son of Ewald and Erma (Eggers) Dinse. He attended country school. In 1955, he began working for the Meriden Creamery Association, hauling canned milk. In 1957 he was drafted into the United States Army and took a break from milk hauling until his return from service in 1959; he continued serving in the reserves for two more years. From 1970 until his retirement in 2022, he owned and operated his own trucking company, D & D Enterprises, continuing to haul milk for local dairy farmers. Dennis’ children often rode along with him as he hauled milk, sharing in the experience that would later become a family tradition by teaching his two sons how to drive and eventually passing the family business on to his son, Darel. When Dennis became a grandfather, the tradition continued as he often invited his grandchildren to ride along. On every trip, they would “hit a blizzard” — his playful way of making sure they stopped at the Dairy Queen in Dodge Center on the way home. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his most treasured possessions, and he loved each of them deeply.

On June 28, 1959, he was married to Darlene Hagen in New Richland, MN. They made Meriden their home where they raised their five children, Dwain, Dawn, DeAnn, Darel, and Denise. With a strong and unwavering faith, Dennis read his Bible daily and was a proud member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he also served on the church council.

Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his children; Dawn Stadler of Medford, DeAnn (James) Larson of Waseca, and Darel (Kim) Dinse of Ellendale; grandchildren, Dominique (Ben) Jewison, Chelsey (Andy Jones) Stadler, Tyler Larson, Garrett (Gabby) Larson, Taylor (Chris) Conlin, Nathan (Skylah) Larson, Dylan Wigham, and Brandon (Jasmine Burkhart) Wigham; great-grandchildren, Oriana, Violet, Oliver, Isla, Montgomery, Emberlynn, Asher, Lena, Paisley, Oakley, Ebony, and two on the way; daughter-in-law, Jayne Dinse; son-in-law, Steve Wigham; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Darlene in 2010; daughter, Denise in 2011; son, Dwain in 2018; brothers, Robert (Darlene J.) Dinse and Irvine Dinse, in infancy; and son-in-law, Ted Stadler.

A funeral service will be held on September 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Meriden, MN; Pastor Billie Jo Wicks will officiate. Dennis will be laid to rest at St Paul Lutheran cemetery following the service. Dennis’ family will greet guests at a visitation on September 18, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Third Street Chapel of the Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral Home in Waseca, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Medford Senior Care for the compassionate and attentive care they provided to Dennis during his time there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to St Paul Lutheran Church in Meriden, MN.