Dennis Marine

Retired Navy Torpedo Mates Chief (TMC) Dennis Laurence Marine, age 72, unexpectedly passed away in his home on August 7th, 2013.

Dennis was born to Emerald Laurence Marine and Hazel Ruth (Pederson) Marine on September 20th, 1940 in Willmar Minnesota.

When Dennis was 16 years old, his Dad, tired of delivering milk, moved the family from Willmar, MN to the Longville area and partnered with his mom's brother, Roy Pederson, to purchase the 27 acre Sioux Camp Resort on Little Boy Lake in the spring of 1956. He and his little brother Warren did many chores around the resort like clean and gas the boats and pick up garbage while the parents worked hard to improve the resort over the years.

At age 17, Dennis signed up for the Navy before he graduated Longville High School in 1958 and shipped out immediately after high school.

For twenty years Dennis served his country honorably in US Navy with stints on 4 ships: the USS Cony, the USS Tidewater, the USS Stickle and the USS Orion. Dennis received a good conduct medal and a service medal. He retired and was presented to fleet reserve on March 16th, 1979 by Captain James P. Forsyth.

After a sailor's life, Dennis returned to Longville to help his parents with the resort, hunt, fish and trap. Later on, mutual friend, Jan Converse introduced Dennis to Joanie K. Ritchie. They were married June 6, 1984 in the back yard of her home in Edina, MN. Joanie and Dennis built their first home with Dad's help, on a parcel of land that was a part of the Sioux Camp Resort. Later, in 2004 they moved clear across the road where there was a little more room for their dreams.

Dennis held various life memberships: the Jenkins VFW Post 3839, the Longville Post 772, the National Rifle Association, the USS Tidewater Association, and the Minnesota Trappers Association. Dennis was also a 21 year member of the Brainerd Elks Club. Dennis was a part of the Longville Community Church for many years serving as a trustee. In the summer of 2009 Dennis was baptized and was a part of the Longville Bible Chapel with his wife Joanie.

Dennis is survived by his brother Warren Neil Marine (wife Diane) of Pottsdam Town, PA, step son Mark Ritchie of Brained, MN, step daughter Lisa Thompson (husband Scott) of Mpls, MN and step grandchildren Beth Ritchie of St Paul, MN, Alissa Eiesland (husband Nate) of Mpls, MN, and Katie Thompson and Jack "Attack" Thompson of Mpls, MN.

Dennis is preceded in death by his nephew Timothy Scott Marine passing on January 21st, 1991, father Emerald Laurence Marine passing on July 25th, 1995, mother Hazel Ruth Marine passing on March 15th, 2004, step daughter in law, Rennette Alise Ritchie passing on August 4th, 2011, and wife Joanie K Marine passing on March 26th, 2013.

Dennis loved his country, was a friend to many and will be missed. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Mike Partch will be held at the Longville Bible Chapel on Sept 14th, 2013 at 2 pm. A light refreshment will follow.