Dennis Bruce Thingvold

of Buffalo, MN

September 22, 1943 – March 16, 2026

A celebration of Dennis' life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared by the family.

Dennis Bruce Thingvold, age 82 of Buffalo, MN, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Dennis was born on September 22, 1943 in Minneapolis, the son of John and Selma "Sally" (Ishaug) Thingvold. He was raised in Rockford, Minnesota, where he spent his early years working on a nearby family farm, and graduated from Rockford High School in 1961.

He proudly served in the United States Army through the Minnesota National Guard, where he contributed to his community and country with dedication and honor.

In 1969 he married Mary Lou Viola Vergin and had three children, Steve, Lisa, and Jason. Dennis was a compassionate caregiver for Mary throughout her long battle with cancer and subsequent illness, until her passing in 2002.

In 1989, Dennis earned his private pilot's license, fulfilling a dream of taking to the skies. Flying became a cherished passion that he enjoyed sharing with family and friends.

Dennis transitioned into real estate investing, where his sharp mind and entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to build a successful career. Remarkably, he could recall events from decades past with perfect clarity-yet birthdays of immediate family members often slipped his mind, a quirk that family teased him about fondly and that became part of his endearing character.

Dennis found great joy in snowmobiling during his younger years with his good friend, Lyle Wagner. As time went on, his adventures shifted to the open road; he enjoyed road trips with his wife and children, and later with his grandchildren, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

Above all, Dennis cherished family. He enjoyed family gatherings where laughter filled the air and stories were shared. He also loved spending time in his woods and at family land in northern MN-surrounded by nature's beauty.

Dennis is survived by his children, Steve (Jenny Lloyd) Thingvold, Lisa (Amos) Root, and Jason Thingvold; grandchildren, Gavin Pfeffer, Brienn Thingvold, Emily Root, and Evan Root; siblings, Shirley Jacobs, Daryle (Suzette) Thingvold, and Doug (Carole) Thingvold; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John & Selma "Sally" Thingvold; his wife, Mary Thingvold; siblings, John Wallace "Wally" (Lois) Thingvold, Frances (Reider) Hansen, Lyle (Shirley) Thingvold, and Richard "Dickie" Thingvold.

A celebration of Dennis' life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared by the family.