Dennis S. Painter

Dennis S. Painter, age 80, a lifelong resident of Cloquet, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. He was born on March 17, 1945, to Marvin and Cleo (Tester) Painter. Following Dennis' education, he entered the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier. His service also included two tours around the world. After his honorable discharge, Dennis held a career at Potlatch for 37 years prior to his retirement.

Dennis was united in marriage to Barbara Willoughby on September 17, 1971, in Cloquet. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. An accomplishment Dennis was most proud of was achieving 33 years of sobriety. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed many annual hunting and fishing trips to Lake of the Woods and Canada. Cribbage was another of Dennis' favorite pass-times. He also enjoyed his own company, rarely missing an airing of Jeopardy and spending many hours immersed in a good book. As an intelligent man it wasn't unusual for him to read several books in a single week, Grisham novels being his favorite. Above all, Dennis lived his life being unapologetically himself and will be remembered by his many unique but endearing idiosyncrasies.

Dennis is survived by his children, Teresa (Mario) Miranda, Dennis (Gina) Painter, Beckey (Mark) Zerr, and Denise (Mark) Warner; grandchildren, Stephanie and Samantha Miranda, Samuel and Gavin Painter, Jack and Jason Gartner, and Marcus, Jaymee, and Regan Warner; sisters, Patricia Pertler and Sandra Tulino; as well as many extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Marvin Painter and Cleo (Jack) Sandstrom; siblings, Terry Painter and Roberta Schull; and his beloved dog, Peanut.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the hospice nurses and staff at Aspirus – St. Luke's 2 West.

A memorial service in honor of Dennis will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until the 2:00 p.m. ceremony. Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be sent to Our Savior's Lutheran Church.