Dennis C. Stangler

Dennis Clark Stangler, 87, a long-time resident of Stewartville, MN, died on Wednesday (March 13, 2024) of natural causes at his home in Rochester, MN.

Dennis was born on October 14, 1936 in Mankato, MN to Robert and Hazel “Peggy” (Gillespie) Stangler.  He moved often with his family as a young boy and grew up  in Detroit Lakes where he attended Detroit Lakes HS.  He enlisted into the US Navy, serving on the USS St. Paul in the Pacific Theatre from 1955-1959.  Following his discharge, he lived in Los Angeles,CA for a time working at the Hughes Aircraft Company. He moved to Rochester in the early 1960’s and was employed for a time at AAA Travel as an agent with their IBM account.  Dennis was married on September 21, 1963 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Simpson to Nancy L. Evjen.  Following their marriage the couple lived in Stewartville where they raised their children and continued to make their home for 38 years.  During that time Dennis worked at Rochester Datronics and S & S Moving and Storage. He served as a recruting officer for the Army National Guard  in Minnesota, for 17 years, retiring from military service in December 1987. He was employed by the US Postal Service in Rochester until his retirement in 1994.  Nancy was a homemaker and the owner and operator of Nancy’s Beauty Salon  in Stewartville for 33 years. They moved to Lake City,Mn in 2001  where they lived before moving to Rochester in 2017.

Dennis was a long-time active member of St. Bernards Catholic Church where he was involved with it’s Men’s Club activities, was one of the original Mama Tranchita’s Spaghetti Boys and mowed for many years at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.  He was a member of the USS St. Paul Association, the US Navy Cruiser Association, the American Legion and the VFW.  He was an avid pheasant hunter, enjoyed fishing,  traveling with Nancy to Florida in the winter and  followed the Vikings and Twins.  He very much enjoyed visiting with friends and loved time spent with his family.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 61 years – Nancy; his Daughter - Dawn Signer and his Sons  - Cory Stangler and Ryan (Tricia) Stangler all of Rochester;  7  Grandchildren -  Lexi Stangler, Kaeleb (Miranda) Stangler, Samuel (Amber Dewitz) Stangler, Gabriel (Bryanna Pipkin) Stangler , Sophia Stangler, Aiden Stangler and a Great-Granddaughter due in June.; 1 sister – Margaret(Ron) Thomsen of Valley City, ND. and  twin brother – Thomas(Lish) Stangler of Shoreview,MN. He was preceded in death by his parents.                                                                                

A time of visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday (March 22, 2024) from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Griffin-Gray FH  in Stewartville. Burial with military graveside honors will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston,MN at a later date.  Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. On-line condolences and memories of Denny are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis C. Stangler, please visit our floral store.