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Dennis PORTER Obituary
formerly of Minneapolis, MN passed away at his home in St. Petersburg, FL September 25, 2016 after an eight year battle with COPD. Dennis was a 57 year member of Pipe Fitters Local 539 in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. He had the opportunity to work jobs in Hawaii on the island of Oahu in the early 80s, late 80s, and 90s. While in Hawaii he built upon his love for the outdoors and animals. Learning to deep sea fish, snorkel, scuba dive, and enjoy all the island had to offer. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Vivian Porter; sister, Sharon Helberg; and sons, Mike and Mark Porter. Dennis is survived by fiancee, Sheila Lehn, soulmate, and best friend of 30 years; son, Clifford (Jenn) Porter; daughter, Dawn (John) Spring; grandchildren, Tiffany and Ariel Porter, Lance, Mariah, and Gavin Feriancek. We will miss you and your wonderful sense of humor! We would like to pass along one of Dennis's favorite quotes "Even on the worst day their is a possibility of Joy." May we find joy in the memories we have shared with Dennis.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis PORTER
John Spring
October 29, 2016
Denny-
It was so fortunate that I was able to get to know you over the last 10 years. Thanks for all of the memories, the fun times, and the little gifts you gave us. I promise to try and take care of your daughter, although she has more than just a little of you in her!
October 3, 2016
Denny definitely made a difference in my life. His memory will live on!!!
Mike Kramer (cousin)
Gary Kent
October 3, 2016
Cliff and Dawn, So sad to hear about your dad. He had a great sense of humor, and he sure provided good life experiences for you - like living in Hawaii and having a monkey as a pet. How cool is that?!? I'm personally grateful that he helped persuade Cliff and Doug to get my bike out of a tree. Cherish the memories. Hugs to both of you!
Dawn Spring
October 1, 2016
Dad, I don't know what I am going to do with the void that has been left in my heart with your passing. I so wanted to call you on my way home from work yesterday, but I called to check on sheila instead, she is very sad, but hanging in there. I know time will ease the pain and there will come a time when I think of you and your humor and love of life and will laugh at the memories we have shared, but right now there are tears. Thanks so much for everything. The years you took us to Hawaii were some of the best, you taught us safety regarding swimming in the ocean, you taught me to snorkel and that became something you and I shared together during those years in hawaii. Those are memories that I will never forget. Then you taught lance how to snorkel when we came to visit in 1996. We will be there again in the next few years and place you in the place you loved most. I love you Dad! Thanks for everything you did for your family and for your grandkids and helping me through my time as a single mother. I love you to infinity and beyond, as that became our saying in your last few days telling you how much we loved you! I am so glad you can breathe easy now and enjoy all heaven has to offer which is so much more than anything here on earth, and are able to see your parents, sister and two sons again. Love you!
Greg Turner
October 1, 2016
Rest in peace Mr. porter. All of us in Bloomington respected and loved you and your family. I miss you yelling "Turner what are you doing"!!
Cliff Porter
September 30, 2016
Dad we were all on a very big adventure to Hawaii when we moved there in the early 80's, we gained some life long friends and unforgettable experiences. Dad always had an adventure up his sleeve, whether a trip across the country, bringing home some exotic pet (snake, parrots, monkeys, rats, squirrel, fox, skunk And so on...) or fixing up a unbelievable tropical fish tank. We enjoyed the adventures. Some memories that are unnoticed include dad standing on the sidelines or sitting in bleachers during cold rainy fall days in MN watching me play football or standing in a snow bank freezing from his nose to his toes watching me play hockey (that's right I am old enough where kids still played hockey outside). I will never forget our last conversation, the longest good bye of my life that lasted an hour and 15 minutes because I knew it was likely the last conversation with dad in person. As I was talking and sobbing as dad squeezed my hand and hugged me he said son I love you more than you can imagine. I miss you pa, and love you more than you can imagine!
September 30, 2016
Dad we were all on a very big adventure to Hawaii when we moved there in the early 80's we made some life long friends, and had unforgettable experiences during our time there. Dad always had an adventure up his sleeve, whether a trip across the country, bringing home some exotic pet (snake, parrots, monkeys, rats, squirrel, fox, skunk And so on...) or fixing up a unbelievable tropical fish tank. We enjoyed the adventures. Some memories nobody noticed include dad standing on the sidelines or sitting in bleachers during cold rainy fall days in MN watching me play football or standing in a snow bank freezing from his nose to his toes watching me play hockey (that's right I am old enough where kids still played hockey outside). I will never forget our last conversation, the longest good bye of my life that lasted an hour and 15 minutes because I knew it was likely the last conversation with dad in person. As I was talking and sobbing as dad squeezed my hand and hugged me he said son I love more than you can imagine. I miss you pa, and love you more than you can imagine!
Shellie Anderson
September 30, 2016
I have some of the best memories with the Porter family growing up when they lived on 3rd Ave. Their home was the place we kids would like to hang out and play. Always had unlimited bowls of Ice Cream and Saturdays we made Pancakes. Never a dull moment with the Monkey and Parrots. Dennis you will be missed. Hugs and Love to the family.
Robie-Ann Dorwelo
September 30, 2016
Our deepest condolences to the Porter family. I remember the first time I met him and Sheila in Makaha. I knew he was one special man. Thank you for sharing your Dad with us. A Hui Ho Mr. Porter, fly with those Angels. Aloha Ke Akua (God is Love). With love your Hawaii Ohana
The Dorwelo's
Jim Strand
September 29, 2016
My deepest condolences to Cliff and Dawn, as well as Denny's extended family. I will always fondly remember the days when Denny would stand in the snowbanks at hockey games, and on the sidelines while I played sports with Cliff in Bloomington, MN. I was afraid of Denny when I was little, but he always made me feel welcome in his home on 3rd Ave., so that fear turned to respect. May the Lord be with Denny in heaven.
Susan Waid
September 29, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss! Thinking of your family. Susan J. Waid
Doug Barnett
September 29, 2016
Dennis, I will always remember exchanging name "insults" with you and then you saying "That's it, we're going to see your parents". You are loved and will be missed.
Dawn Spring
September 29, 2016
Dad, I will miss you more than you will ever know! I will miss our weekly conversations, your sense of humor, that you kept right up to the end, your encouragement through life's difficulties, our visits to florida. I am glad your suffering is over, but miss you so much! Until we meet again I will cherish our memories forever!
Donneice Opunui
September 29, 2016
Your memory will always bring a smile to my face, I will forever be thankful to have had the privilege of being welcomed into your home while you lived in Hawaii. Aloha Dennis, love and condolences to your ohana.
Mariah Feriancek
September 29, 2016
I love you Grandpa!! My grandpa was probably the funniest, most loving guy ever! My favorite memory is always getting feathers (from his parrot Kona) to take home with us. That was the coolest. And he's probably the only person who loved black licorice as much as me!! So I could always count on him having bags and bags and bags of it waiting for us! So many more memories like all the toys and rugrats him and Sheila always kept for when us kids came over. Anyways..... I love you so much Grandpa. We'll always miss you and be thinking of you every day. Love, Mariah. Rest in Paradise. :)
John Beeler
September 29, 2016
Brother Jay and I send our condolences . He was a dear friend and always good for a laugh (or more!)
We will sadly miss him....♥
Denice Hall
September 29, 2016
Rest in peace Uncle Denny
Denice
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