Dennis Stanek

Dennis J. Stanek, 70, of Motley, died Saturday, April 14, 2012 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 AM, Wednesday, April 18, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Motley with Father Joseph Korf officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather Tuesday evening from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples. Parish Prayers will be at 7 PM followed by a time of sharing. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to services on Wednesday morning at the church. Interment will take place at Motley Public Cemetery.

Dennis was born February 21, 1942, in Minneapolis, the son of Charles and Angeline (Kramer) Stanek. Dennis graduated from the electrical program at Vocational High School in Minneapolis. In 1968, he was united in marriage to Elaine Benny in Watertown, SD. In 1974, the couple moved to the Motley area, living on Fish Trap Lake and later in Scandia Valley Township. Dennis' greatest pride and joy came in spending time with his family and friends. Dennis took pride in his knowledge of construction and enjoyed mentoring others on their skills. He was an avid outdoorsman - fishing, hunting and sharing his love of the outdoors with his grandchildren. He liked to take their motor home on short trips to visit family and friends. He was well-known in the area for BBQing turkeys for family and public events.

He will be missed by his wife, Elaine; son, Jeffrey (Jenny) Stanek, of Coon Rapids; daughters, Stacy (Paul) Kennelly, of Superior, WI, Wendy (Rick) Goodman, of Maple Grove, and Amy (Jaret) Balk, of Pillager; sister, Gloria Nafstad; brothers, Robert (Barb Mork) Stanek, Douglas (Donna) Stanek, Jerry (Diana) Stanek, and Dale Stanek; and grandchildren, Noah, Leah, Brady, Cooper, Ross, Alaina, and Camden. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Beverly and Joyce.