Crandon, WI – Dennis Charles Drangstveit, 78, went on to be with the Lord December 16, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife and family as he passed peacefully into eternity.
Dennis was born June 27, 1945, in Thief River Falls and grew up on the Drangstveit family farm, which was established in 1898 near Goodridge. He was the third of four children born to Orin A. Drangstveit and Caroline E. (nee Blakkestad) Drangstveit. Dennis’ father, Orin, passed at an early age, leaving Denny and his siblings to assume responsibility of the farm. This monumental task solidified a strong work ethic and devotion to family that Denny carried through the rest of his life.
After high school graduation, Denny left the operation of the family farm to his brother, Merlin, and moved to Grand Forks, ND, to attend Aaker’s Business College and graduated in 1964 with a diploma in Junior Accountancy. While attending college, Denny met his future wife Jane.
On December 16, 1966, Dennis Drangstveit married Jane Brownell in Edinburg, ND. Not long after, Denny had to leave his bride to dutifully serve his country in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor during his service and was honorably discharged in 1967. The war took its toll on him, as war does with all who make that sacrifice, but he wore his veteran’s cap proudly and was honored when people thanked him for his service.
Denny returned home in October of ’67, and in November, he and Janie moved to her hometown of Laona, WI, where they began life as a married couple. He started his career at the Blackwell Civilian Conservation Center, but then took a job with the U.S. Forest Service as a contracting officer where he worked for over 25 years. Denny and Janie would eventually settle in Crandon, WI, where they would raise their family.
Denny volunteered with the Crandon Area Rescue Squad as an EMT for 20 years and enjoyed deep friendships with his neighbors. In addition to serving his community, he was an active firefighter with the Forest Service. It was not unusual for the phone to ring in the middle of the night and he would be gone in the morning with his gear to fight national wildfires.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Melissa (Dave) Heegeman; son, Eric (Carolina) Drangstveit; son, Daniel (Jennifer) Drangstveit; daughter, Megan Drangstveit; grandchildren, Brian (Sabrina) Drangstveit, Brandon Drangstveit, Olivia (Blake) McCarty, Noah (Macy) Heegeman, Maia Heegeman, Miguel Heegeman, Isak Drangstveit, Eli Drangstveit; and great- nephew, Justin, who he and Janie have raised as their own since he was a toddler. He is further survived by brothers, Orvin and Merlin Drangstveit; and sister, Claree (Duane) Paulson; and in-laws, Kay Finch, Dan Brownell, David (Susie) Brownell, Becky (Glenn) Giovanni, Wesley (Sherry) Brownell; and other family.
He is predeceased by his parents, Orin and Caroline; and his in-laws, Oliver and Orlene Brownell; sisters-in-law, Janet Drangstveit and Marlys Drangstveit; and brother in-law, Butch Finch.
Denny loved his family fiercely, especially with extra tight hugs, and was so proud of his kids and grandkids…always quick to regale anyone with their accomplishments! He generously cared for them all and enjoyed many fishing trips, hunting excursions, pickup truck rides and trips to the store, buying whatever caught his eye or his grandkids’ whims! He was a humble man, uncomplaining, with bright blue eyes, shock of white hair, and always a cheerful smile. We loved you just as fiercely, Denny, and you will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend services for Denny on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Weber-Hill and Packard Funeral Home in Crandon, WI, with visitation from
11 a.m.–1 p.m., service at
1 p.m. and military honors following at Lakeside Cemetery, Crandon, WI. Pastor Don Dewing will preside over services.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking family and friends to consider a donation to the Crandon Area Rescue Squad.
Online condolences may be directed to www.weberhillfuneralhome.com.
A00003B2023DC27