Dennis M. Wamre

Dennis Morris Wamre, 84, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his children at Nine Mile Creek Senior Living Memory Care in Bloomington, MN on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. 

Dennis was born on August 16, 1939 in Hawley, MN to Raymond and Emily Wamre. He graduated from Hawley High School and North Dakota State University where he was part of the ROTC program. He married his high school sweetheart, Diane, on May 26, 1962 and together they moved to Fort Lewis, WA where Dennis served as an officer in the US Army. After his time in the service was complete, Dennis and Diane moved to Moorhead, MN where Dennis started his sales career with International Harvester. He went on to work for Melroe/Bobcat Company, Rapat Corporation, Prudential Insurance and Concord Equipment. The Wamres made their homes and built life-long friendships in Dickinson, ND, Beaver Dam, WI, Bismarck, ND, and finished raising their three children back in Hawley, MN. Dennis and Diane were devoted, loving, proud parents and didn’t miss any of their children’s activities or events. Dennis loved people and conversation and could talk with anyone willing to listen. His favorite topics were his kids, his grandkids, his Norwegian heritage and the NDSU Bison.  

Dennis and Diane moved to Lakeville, MN in retirement to be near their children and grandchildren.  Dennis was a bus driver for ISD #196 for twelve years, making strong friendships with other retiree drivers. Dennis was an adored “Papa” and spent hours hauling around his grandchildren to and from activities, hunting with his sons and grandsons, and enjoying family get-togethers and ski trips. Dennis’ final years were spent in memory care where he was known for his NDSU apparel, his friendly demeanor and his fully intact sense of humor.

Dennis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Diane, and his sister, Eleanor Miller. He is survived by his children:  Denise Vonasek (John Murray), St Paul, MN, David (Heidi) Wamre, Delano, MN, and Daniel (Carmen) Wamre, Lakeville, MN; his grandchildren: Taylor Vonasek (Andrew Quallio), Dane Vonasek, Hans Wamre, Sophie Wamre, Will Wamre and Gabrielle Wamre; and his sister, Esther Timm, Moorhead, MN.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Hawley Lutheran Church with a light lunch following the service. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm with a prayer service at 4:00 pm at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley. Memorials preferred to Nine Mile Creek Senior Living Memory Care, Bloomington, MN, or Grace Hospice, Minneapolis, MN.

Final resting place will be in Hawley Cemetery.