Foley, Minnesota
Pastor Dennis Deppa, of St. Louis Park, age 82, passed away from natural causes at Methodist Hospital May 23, 2023. Dennis was born in Foley and was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Kathryn, infant brother Lawrence and brother Gary, Also by his in-laws Floyd and Ann Dray of Ronneby, Florence and Floyd Dray, Andrew Dray, Sherwin Arneson, ‘granddaughter’ Anne Widmer, and his special gift of a daughter Cheri Dray.
Survived by wife of 63 years, Delores (Dray), sister Carol (Harvey) Eckman, brother Jerry (Joan) Deppa, both of Foley. Sister- and brother-in-laws Helen Arneson, Lakeville, Mary Dray, Barbara Dray, Deborah (Hans) Widmer, and Stephen Dray of St. Louis Park; Cecelia Barger, Minnetonka; Doreen (Randy) Mills of Knoxville Tennessee, and Susan (Erwin) Niganobe of Blind River, Ontario. And a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Dennis was born and raised in the Foley area. He was a 1958 graduate of Foley High School. Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree of science from Pacific Christian College in 1969 and in 1987 his master’s of arts in biblical counseling from Grace Graduate School.
A short time after the death of his mother-in-law, Dennis and Delores had the privilege of becoming guardians of Delores’s seven youngest siblings. Dennis and Delores raised them from that time forward passing on to each the strong faith and character.
Dennis was honored to be called as pastor of Knollwood Christian Church in 1975 and lead this congregation for 14 years. After this he was selected to lead the Disability Ministry at New Hope Church. He was instrumental in creating the strong foundation for this ministry. From there Dennis remained instrumental in pastoring those who are considered physically and or mentally challenged. Whether working in a group home, Pastoral Care Ministry with Wooddale Church or providing pastoral messages with ForEver Friends, he kept the light of our Lord shining brightly. Dennis and Dee’s ministry for the last 25 years has been co-directors of ForEver Friends.
Celebration of a life well lived will 11 a.m. July 22 at Wooddale Church 6630 Shady Oak Road, Eden Prairie, followed by a light luncheon. Memorials to family or JRG Ministries 13570 Grove Dr ive PMB 210, Maple Grove, Minnesota, 55311.
The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend and can be viewed at www.wooddale.org/events click on Watch Live and will be available 15 minutes prior to the service.
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