Dennis M. Kuester

Sept. 20, 1950-July 5, 2025
LAFAYETTE–Dennis M. Kuester, age 74, of Lafayette passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Funeral Service will be Friday, July 11, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop with Pastor Bob Miner officiating. Interment will be in St. Gregory’s Catholic Cemetery in Lafayette. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. (2 hours prior), ALL at the church. Military Honors by the Winthrop Honor Guard and the Lafayette American Legion Post #300.
Dennis Michael Kuester was born on September 20, 1950, in New Ulm, MN. He was the son of Maynard and Margaretha (Draeger) Kuester. Dennis was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop. He received his education in Winthrop and was a graduate of the Winthrop High School class of 1968.
On September 25, 1969, Dennis entered active military service in the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. Dennis was Honorably Discharged on August 15, 1972, having achieved the rank of Corporal.
On December 28, 1974, Dennis was united in marriage to Dianne Maidl at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Lafayette. After their marriage, the couple resided in Lafayette. Dennis and Dianne were blessed with a daughter, Ellen. Dennis was employed at 3M for 29 years, and then Railway Equipment until his retirement.
Dennis was a life-time member of Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop. He was also on the Lafayette Fire Department where he served as a volunteer fireman for 20 years. Dennis was also on the Lafayette Ambulance and the Fire Relief Association where he served as an officer.
In his younger years, Dennis played town team baseball in the area and also softball league in Lafayette. Dennis also enjoyed golfing and was fortunate to have 2 holes in one at the Winthrop Golf Course. He enjoyed playing cards like sheepshead, cribbage and pinochle with friends and family. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman. You could find him on a lake either spear fishing, ice fishing or fishing in his boat. He also enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting. Dennis had a yearly tradition of deer hunting on his family land in Wisconsin for 50 years in a row. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially the teams his grandsons participated in. Dennis and Dianne enjoyed traveling and taking bus tours around the country. One of his favorite destinations was Ireland.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Dianne Kuester of Lafayette, MN; daughter, Ellen (Travis) Anderson of Winthrop, MN; grandsons, Alex (special friend, Ally Pink) Berkner of Hutchinson, MN, and Sam Berkner of Winthrop, MN; sister, Mary Lou Shutt of Webster, WI; brother, Michael (Kathy) Kuester of Rapid City, SD; sister-in-law, Aimee (Randy “Butch”) Altmann of Lafayette, MN; brothers-in-law, Bob (Linda) Maidl of Eagle River, AK, John (Becky) Maidl of Roseville, MN; Joe (Deb) Maidl of Lafayette, MN; mother-in-law, Betty Maidl of Lafayette, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Margaretha Kuester; father-in-law, Clarence Maidl; brother-in-law, Dennis Shutt.
Arrangements by Dalin-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Winthrop, Minnesota. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com
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