Dena Alice DeVore

Dena Alice DeVore, age 99, a lifelong area resident, slipped into eternity on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids. Dena was born on February 2,1924 in Akeley to Edward and Dena (Busman) Bliss. As a girl she attended district #309 Country school near her home and helped on the family farm. As a young woman she ventured to Bemidji where she found work. On August 6, 1944, she was united in marriage to John DeVore. She dedicated herself to making a loving home for her husband and her five children. She enjoyed cooking and baking and always made sure her family was well fed. She enjoyed gardening and canning to prepare for her family's needs. As her children grew older, she sought work to help with the family budget. She gained employment sewing at Munsingwear and Wringer Manufacturing. She also worked at the Badoura Nursery for a time. When they grew older, she and John enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and into Europe. She was a long-time dedicated member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Akeley and also enjoyed her participation with the Lady of The Lakes Homemakers Club. Dena dealt with the heartache of her husband's death on March 18, 2005. Later she lost her son, Jim on May 7, 2011 and her daughter, Janice who died on July 22, 2022. She looked forward to being with them in Heaven. Dena will be lovingly remembered by her three children: John (Alice) DeVore of Park Rapids, Wayne (Bonnie) DeVore of Lewiston, MT, and Robert (Vicki) DeVore of Montrose, MN; 16 dearly loved grandchildren; many precious great grandchildren; three sisters: Myrt Jehoich of St. Cloud, May Graunke of Park Rapids and Dorothy Pohl of Park Rapids and many precious great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Jim and her daughter, Janice; as well as 8 brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be 12:00 PM, Friday, September 8,2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Akeley with the Rev. Karl Yahr officiating. Active casket bearers will be great grandsons and honorary casket bearers will be granddaughters. Interment will be next to her husband in the Lemon Cemetery. Visitation is at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church.