Dennis D. Couillard

About Dennis

Dennis D. Couillard was born on October 6, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Donald and Lorraine (Hero) Couillard. He entered eternal life on July 10, 2026 at age 69.

He grew up in Minneapolis, where he found two lifelong loves: hot rods and his bride named ViDell "Vi" Bingham.

Dennis met Vi at a young age and quickly fell in love, not only with her, but also with the Glenwood area after spending a summer working on her family's farm. Before long, he knew he wanted to make both the girl and the town his future. He proposed to Vi on Christmas Eve, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span more than five decades.

At age 17, Dennis enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1974, earning his GED while serving his country. He and Vi were married in June 1975, shortly after her high school graduation, and began married life together at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Following his honorable discharge, Dennis attended auto body school, sharpening the skills that he would use both in his livelihood and his passion.

In 1978, Dennis and Vi moved to the place they had always considered home, Glenwood, Minnesota. After building their forever home, they welcomed their son, Justin, in 1980, and their daughter, Crystal, in 1981.

Dennis worked in multiple companies that showcased his remarkable mechanical ability and knack for fixing just about anything. He eventually retired from Douglas Machines in 2019.

When Dennis wasn't working, he was likely working anyway. He always had a project, or, more accurately, several projects, in various stages. He was a true artist when it came to auto body repair and automotive paint, and you could often find him working while wearing his lucky green-and-white polka-dot welding cap. His craftsmanship lives on in the many classic cars he restored from the ground up.

His garage, affectionately known as "the shop," was much more than a workspace. It was a gathering place, a problem-solving center, and occasionally an unofficial neighborhood watering-hole. Friends and family always knew they could find Dennis in the shop. Whether someone needed advice, a good story, or simply a cold beverage, he was always happy to take a break and lean against the wood-burning stove to visit.

His rough hands, work-worn clothes, and sun-tanned arms told only part of his story. Beneath the tough exterior was a man with a generous heart, an easy smile, and a willingness to help anyone in need.

Dennis enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and spending time with family and friends. He also had a gift for feeding people. From making the best waffles, bbq chicken, and ribs around for his grandkids; to remembering to set the onions aside for the picky eater, he found joy in making others happy, though mushrooms and tuna fish were never welcome on the menu.

It came as no surprise to anyone who knew Dennis that children naturally gravitated toward him, and he to them. Over the years, he became a father and grandfather figure to many in the neighborhood, always ready with encouragement, patience, a laugh, or a lesson disguised as helping with a project.

Dennis's love for his children, grandchildren, and every person fortunate enough to be treated like family was immeasurable. He celebrated their successes, stood beside them through life's challenges, and never stopped believing in them.

The loss of Dennis has left a dent in the world that even he, with all his talent for fixing things, could never repair. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he welcomed, the vehicles he restored, and the countless lives he impacted.

Dennis is survived by his best friend “his old lady” and devoted wife of 51 years, Vi; his daughter, Crystal (Yorck) Roemer; his cherished grandchildren, Zander and Zoie Roemer; his great-niece Lynzie Medbery, whom he loved as one of his own; his beloved furry companions Todd, Georgia, and several grand dogs; his mother-in-law, Irene Bingham; brothers: John (Margy) Couillard, and Kevin Cook Sr.; sister Vicki Cerqua; countless nieces, nephews, uncles, extended family members, and dear friends in the car enthusiasts community.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Donald (Karen) Couillard; Lorraine (Jack) Cook, his beloved son, Justin; his cherished dogs; and his brothers, Michael, Bruce and Scott Couillard. Dennis will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

memorial service

Memorial Gathering

July 21, 2026

Alexandria VFW - Post 936 1102 3rd Ave E, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

Friends and family are invited to a casual memorial gathering at the VFW in Alexandria on Tuesday July 21, 2026 from 2-5 pm.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services