Dennis Clarence Stanga

Dennis Clarence Stanga ObituaryDennis Clarence Stanga, 88, of Deephaven, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, after a brief illness. Dennis was born on August 7, 1936, in Huron, South Dakota-the only child of Clarence and Gladys Stanga. In a twist of fate, Dennis arrived on his mother's birthday-a fact she cherished, though he always preferred having his own special day. His sense of humor brought joy to all who knew him.
A proud graduate of Huron High School, class of 1954, Dennis went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from South Dakota State University in 1958. He began his career with Edison Electric in Jackson, Michigan, before moving to Minneapolis and joining Univac Corp, where he contributed to the design of some of the earliest computers. Ever the innovator, Dennis and a group of fellow engineers launched Atron Corporation, an early tech startup, in the late 1960s. After Atron was acquired by Mohawk Data Sciences, Dennis briefly worked for the merged company before returning to Minnesota to join Twin City Die Casting, and eventually rejoining Sperry Univac (later, Unisys), from which he retired in 1991.
Dennis's life was marked by love and resilience. He married his beloved Delores in 1956, with whom he welcomed Mark, Tim, and Sarah-and faced heartbreak when she tragically passed in 1963. He soon met and married Marlene, with whom he welcomed Steve. Dennis's journey eventually led him to Nancy, his wife of more than four decades, who brought him laughter, adventure, and a loving extended family. Through Nancy, Dennis gained bonus children, and together their blended family grew to include many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren-pictures of whom decorated every inch of the kitchen refrigerator.
A long-time resident of Deephaven, Dennis enjoyed keeping up with local affairs and serving on the Lake Minnetonka Cable Commission for many years. With age, his interest in state and national politics only deepened, and he was always happy to discuss the latest issues-often from his favorite chair, clad in his well-worn Chicago Bulls tank top (and other favorite tanks once that one had to retire alongside Jordan), with 24-hour news stations on in the living room. Dennis read the newspaper from cover to cover every day to keep a close eye on the markets and politics. He was a long suffering yet avid Vikings fan. His wit – endearingly corny – was legendary.
Dennis had a remarkable knack for keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries, and he took pride in making sure every card arrived on time. He was the family's unofficial historian, keeping records for the family genealogy and helping his granddaughters fulfill his mother's wish that they join the DAR. At family reunions, Dennis took great pride in maintaining connections with cousins and extended relatives, ensuring that the family's history was updated and preserved. In retirement, Dennis spent many winters in Hawaii and Arizona with Nancy enjoying the local scenery and culture.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Gladys Stanga; his wives, Delores and Marlene; stepson, Rick King; and grandson, Michael Stanga. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; children Mark (Sue) Stanga of Excelsior, MN, Tim (Ann) Stanga of Siren, WI, Sarah (John) Budenske of Edina, MN, and Steve Stanga of Waconia, MN; and by stepchildren, Bonnie (Mike) Warren of Lakeville, MN, Rob (Denise) King of Shakopee, MN, and Lisa (Dave) Connolly of Chapin, SC. He is also lovingly remembered by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Huber Funeral Home in Excelsior, MN.
Dennis Clarence Stanga, 88, of Deephaven, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, after a brief illness. Dennis was born on August 7, 1936, in Huron, South Dakota-the only child of Clarence and Gladys Stanga. In a twist of fate, Dennis arrived on his mother's birthday-a fact she cherished, though he always preferred having his own special day. H