Dennis Eastman

Dennis Eastman, 56, of Staples, formerly of Brainerd, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00pm Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 at the Central Lakes College gymnasium in Brainerd. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 12-2 pm.

Dennis was born December 23, 1960 in Crow Agency, Montana, to Sidney Eastman and Marjorie J. Hilbers. During high school, he participated in football, basketball, track, and baseball, and was the North Dakota High School Athlete of the Year in 1979. He played football and basketball at NDSCS in Wahpeton, and MSU, Moorhead. He was the league's MVP in 1982. In 1993, he was inducted into both schools’ Athletic Halls of Fame. Dennis and Pamela Halverson were married June 12th,1982. Dennis received his teaching certificate from Mayville State University. In 1990, his family moved to Brainerd. Aside from teaching at Central Lakes College, he coached women’s basketball, men’s football, women’s softball, and served as Athletic Director. Dennis was passionate about coaching and teaching, and worked to instill values that would help his students and athletes be successful later in life. Although Dennis loved his career, he valued time with his family above all. He enjoyed being at the lake, swimming, golfing, and grilling. He enjoyed woodworking, and incorporated his Native American culture into his art.

Dennis is survived by Pamela, his loving wife of 35 years; his daughter, Megan (Michael) Ness; his son, Zachary (fiance Chantel Greene) Eastman; his mother, Marjorie Hilbers; his father, Sidney (Veronica) Eastman; a sister, Sydney Eastman; his parents-in-law, Brian (Joanne) Halverson; a brother-in-law, Matt (Theresa) Halverson; and two sisters-in-law, Jayne (Pat) Rein and Brenda Halverson. He is survived by many other family members, and is expecting a granddaughter in June (Megan and Michael). He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mike Halverson. Services entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.