Donald P. "Don" Denn

Donald (Don) P. Denn born on January 28, 1939 to Nicholas and Lillian (Reinardy) Denn in Hastings, MN, age 81, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 22, 2020 less than a year after the passing of his wife. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie on September 3, 1960. Together they raised two daughters in a home he built on a piece of property purchased with funds from a newspaper route. Don, a devout Catholic was always proud to say that he never left the Second Ward of Hastings. His knowledge of the history of Hastings was profound. He began working as a bricklayer with his father Nic while still in high school and attended Minneapolis Technical College winning a national award for his skills as a craftsman prior to graduation. Don attended St Boniface School before graduating from Hastings High School and with his father helped construct the Catholic school still being utilized along with many other stores and structures throughout Hastings and all over the Twin Cities metropolitan area. He would spend hours researching storefronts so new construction or repairs would maintain historical integrity. Don very proudly shared that he helped construct the Rosemount High School not knowing that two grandsons would attend the facility many years later. Eventually, he helped create and manage Denn and Cahill Masonry with a cousin. Don was an avid reader seldom without a book or newspaper in his hands and his love of mathematical problems was unmatched. He was also a skilled carpenter and devout outdoorsman. He loved spending time at the lake cabin in Fredric, Wisconsin. Hunting and fishing were eventually replaced by walking hundreds of miles along the river with a furry friend. When he was not walking, he found great joy in taking a moped ride around town with his dog in a front carrier sewn by his wife. He raised many funds donated to Animal Ark over the years on his journeys. Don and Bonnie also spent many years traveling the United States in their motorhome, especially enjoying trips with the grandchildren. Their favorite title of all was Nana and Papa. They had a gift of teaching children in a way that was always fun. Don also served as a volunteer firefighter for many years with the City of Hastings. He never had a bad day and arose each morning with a song and cup of coffee. Don immensely loved his family, friends, and pets. They will all miss him dearly. He got so much positive energy from sharing and listening to the stories of other people and teaching a pet or any animal outside a new trick. His intellect was amazing and was always joyously learning until his final days. He loved making booya, and sausages in a way that honored his heritage. Don is survived by his daughters, Sheila Condon of Rosemount and Holly (Steven) Schlicht of Hastings and grandchildren Kaitlyn (Cory) Duray who was just blessed by Papa walking her down the aisle, Lt JG Ryan Condon (U.S. Coast Guard) and special friend Madelyn Brewer, both of the New York City area, Matthew Condon of Rosemount and loyal sidekick Jersey the Schnauzer. Wife Bonnie of almost sixty years of marriage, son-in-law Thomas S. Condon, preceded Don in death, in addition to brothers Vernon and Stanley and parents Nicholas and Lillian Denn. While we are extremely saddened that your life ended so abruptly, we are joyous that you are once again united with the love of your life. We could not have more blessed in the world of parents and grandparents. Your lessons will continue guiding us well. And Jersey and Kirby both say “hi” Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.