Dennis Simpson

FUNERAL SERVICES : 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverends James Neubauer and Tim Heinecke officiating.VISITATION : 5-8:00 P.M. on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MinnesotaSURVIVORS : His wife for 51 years, Donna of Park Rapids; his sons: Bill (Nora) Simpson, Jim (Karla) Simpson and Ray (Nicole) Simpson all of Park Rapids; Eight grandchildren: Tyler (Ashley Holmer) Simpson, Ashley (Lee) Branstrom, Eryn, Jill, Jeni, Sara, Blake and Kendra Simpson; two precious great grandchildren: Ryker Simpson and Kaylee Branstrom; two aunts: Audrey Lindberg of Brookings, SD and Madlyn Simpson of Prosser, WA; three sisters-in-law: Blanche Simpson of Clarkfield, MN, Betty Simpson of Edina, MN, Diane (Duane) Foster of Savage, MN and brother-in-law, Neil Lofstrand of Mpls. DENNIS DEAN SIMPSONDecember 2, 1937 " January 6, 2013 Dennis Dean Simpson, age 75, of Park Rapids, MN passed away peacefully in the arms of his Lord on Sunday, January 6th, 2013 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids. Dennis was born on December 2, 1937 in Strandburg, South Dakota, the third and youngest son of Raymond and Agnetta (Lindberg) Simpson. As a young boy, his family moved to Clarkfield, MN and then later to Minneapolis where he graduated from South High School with the Class of 1955. Dennis served his country as a member of the Army Reserve from 1956 to 1965. In 1960, Dennis graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Accounting. He acquired his first job in Chicago, IL with the accounting firm of Ross Brothers & Montgomery. He later started a career as a comptroller with Sears Roebuck & Co., which transferred him to various cities in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 1961, Dennis was united in marriage to Donna Lofstrand at the Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Mpls. This marriage was blessed with three sons: William, James and Raymond. In the late 1970"s, after noticing his sons were growing up too fast, Dennis moved his family to Park Rapids, MN. There they owned and operated Deer Town, the Trading Post and Simpson Accounting Services. His accounting business was his pride and joy " Dennis built his client base to well over 250 accounts. Unfortunately in 1985, Dennis suffered a massive stroke that left him partially paralyzed and with major limitations in his speech and memory. For 23 years, his dedicated and loving wife cared for him in their home; but, in 2008 due to failing health and strength, Dennis entered the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, where he received the utmost of quality care. Dennis will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, fishing, hunting, playing cards, family gatherings and visiting with people. For a man of limited speech capabilities, he will be remembered for always starting a conversation about the "Twins", "Vikings" and "Gophers" as well as ending it with "there you go". Throughout the years, he served on many church related boards, taught Sunday School, and was an adult leader in the Boy Scouts, 4-H, YMCA, Indian Guides and very active in many community organizations. Dennis is survived by his wife for 51 years, Donna of Park Rapids; his sons: Bill (Nora) Simpson, Jim (Karla) Simpson and Ray (Nicole) Simpson all of Park Rapids; Eight grandchildren: Tyler (Ashley Holmer) Simpson, Ashley (Lee) Branstrom, Eryn, Jill, Jeni, Sara, Blake and Kendra Simpson; two precious great grandchildren: Ryker Simpson and Kaylee Branstrom; two aunts: Audrey Lindberg of Brookings, SD and Madlyn Simpson of Prosser, WA; three sisters-in-law: Blanche Simpson of Clarkfield, MN, Betty Simpson of Edina, MN, Diane (Duane) Foster of Savage, MN and brother-in-law, Neil Lofstrand of Mpls; three nephews, four nieces as well as many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Dewayne and Marlyn; sister-in-law, Eunice Simpson and a great grandson, Tucker Branstrom. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Saturday, January 12, 2013 at St. Johns Lutheran Church with the Reverends James Neubauer and Tim Heinecke officiating. The organist will be Sarah Kaufenberg and the soloist, Michael Poole. The active casket bearers will be nieces and nephews: John Simpson, Paul Simpson, Sherry Simpson, Dawn DeWars, Katie Loscheider, Paula Thompson and Wayne Simpson. The honorary casket bearers will be: Jerry Peterson, Donald Fondow, Roger Just, Chuck Malm, Roger Aukes, Myron Hohnstadt, Sam Pike and Jerry Wilcox. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of The North Marine Corps League and Ray Vaadeland will perform Taps. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM Friday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the St. Johns Lutheran Church.