Dennis Dr.

Dr. Dennis L. Nelson, 79, died January 25, 2009 at his home on Green Prairie Fish Lake. Dennis was born in Randall, MN to George O. and Emma (Schwanke) Nelson. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2009 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Randall with Pastor Harley Johnson and Father Leo Moenkedick officiating. Friends are welcome to gather Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Randall, MN. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel of Randall. Pall bearers will be Bruce McLeod, Joe Michela, Pat Prozinski, John Nelson Bob Masog, Terry Nelson, Dave Scully, and Wesley Hoffdahl. Interment at Darling Township's Green Prairie Fish Lake Cemetery.
Dennis graduated from Little Falls High School in 1947. He received his bachelor's of Science Degree from St. Cloud State University in 1954; Master of Arts Degree from University of Minnesota in 1963 and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1970. He was a professor of Economics Emeritus. He served in a number of administrative positions: Department of Economics Head (seven years); Director of Center for Economic Education (five years); and Vice Chancellor (11 years). The university units that reported to him included: Athletic Department, Police Department, Operations and Maintenance Department, Business and Finance Department, American Indian Education Board and Glensheen Mansion. He authored collegiate economics textbooks adopted throughout the country. He was active in the service area of the University serving on 11 All University, 24 Campus, and 32 Collegiate boards and committees and was a University Senator. He served on 12 citizens' boards and committees for the Duluth community. Dennis received special national and international recognition for professional achievements, honors and awards in: Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Who's Who in National and International Education; and Who's Who in the Midwest. He was granted academic honors by University Board of Regents, University of Alumni Board, American Indian Advisory Board, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Phi Delta Kappa, and Pi Gamma Mu.

Dennis served in the Army for three years fighting in Korea as an artillery forward observer. Upon discharge, he became Sergeant First Class and was a life member of VFW Post 9073 in Randall, MN.

Dennis and Joyce traveled extensively in the United States and worldwide on academic, professional and personal purposes. They lived in England for a year and traveled extensively in Russia, Poland, Korea, Italy, and Israel as well as visiting a number of other countries for personal reasons.

Upon retirement to Green Prairie Fish Lake, they returned to fishing and vegetable and flower gardening. Dennis was a member of the Morrison County Agricultural Society, served on the Morrison County Fair Board for six years and was instrumental in development of the "Old School Project" and "Machinery Hill" projects.

Dennis married Joyce Prozinski August 25, 1956. They lived in Duluth for 35 years raising three daughters: Constance (Allan) Hoof, Plymouth, MN, Kristin (Lawrence) Marko, Savage, MN, and Norma Jean (Michael) Vetsch, of Randall, MN. He is survived by his wife of 53 years; three daughters; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandsons; brother, Lyle and sister, Norma. Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Evelyn; and brothers, Vernon, Kenneth, Clemont, and George.