Denny R. Denison

life story

Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Friend

In loving memory of Denny R. Denison, aged 71, who passed away at home on September 1st, 2025 surrounded by family after a short battle with a brain tumor.

Denny was born in Melrose Park, IL on March 15th, 1954 and spent the last 15 years living in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Denny was a long-time Railroad Engineer for Union Pacific and retired after 42 years of service. He enjoyed many activities; bowling, golfing and cornhole were a few of his favorites. He looked forward to his yearly motorcycle trips with B-Rad and Ray and loved to see the country with his best buds.

For the last weeks of his life, it was standing room only - he loved and was loved by so many. The house still echoes of laughter coming from his bedside. Amazing friends that became family also included Brad, Monte, Christine and Goofy.

Denny is preceded in death by parents Laurel and Georgie, and sister Pamela. He will be forever remembered by his wife Leigh, children: Amy, Nicole, Alison, Sean and D.j., grandchildren: Preston, Devon, Carter, Aiden, Mya, and Tyler and many friends and family.

There will be a celebration of life in early Summer, 2026. Announcement at a later date.

The Friend

Denny lived a very full life and would say he was the luckiest man alive on a weekly basis. He felt he got to experience the life he wanted, the simple things: motorcycle trips with his best friends, finding true love and getting to wake up to coffee with his favorite person every morning, growing some tomatoes, weekends with bags, a bonfire or the garage and friends and loving kids and grandkids who'd come from all over to hang out for a few hours. He was content to be a great friend, husband, dad and grandpa and anybody who was lucky to spend time with him could consider themselves fortunate.

memorial service

Celebration of Life for Denny

July 18, 2026

Please join us for a celebration of Denny's life. Food, bags, music. Bring anything in particular you'd like to drink. Beer and wine provided.

6960 Cleve Ave E.

Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076