Dennis Kermit Kragnes
November 27, 1943 ~ April 12, 2024
Born in:
Fargo, ND
Resided in:
Moorhead, MN
Dennis Kermit Kragnes, 80, Moorhead, MN, passed away on April 12, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center.
Dennis Kragnes was born on November 27, 1943, to Henry and Evelyn (Thompson) Kragnes in Fargo, ND. Growing up in Moorhead, Dennis embraced the joys of his upbringing. In his youth, he was known for his endless energy and love for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and playing sports. His country roots originated on the family farm and hunting land, where he built lasting memories with family and friends. It was in high school that Dennis met the love of his life, Diane Peterson. Together they formed a bond that lasted a lifetime.
Dennis’ father Henry worked hard to make sure he would one day get the chance to be a first-generation college student. Dennis did not disappoint, enrolling at Minnesota State College for a teaching degree. Throughout college, Dennis and Diane grew close, and before they knew it, they were married. At only 23, Dennis and Diane had their first son, Kevin. Together they navigated this new world, while still in college and working to support their family.
Post-college, Dennis found his calling as a teacher and wrestling coach in Barnesville, MN where he influenced many young lives through his passion for education and sports. A year into his job at Barnesville, Diane and Dennis decided to complete their family with their second son, Mark. Dennis took great pride in his family and cherished spending time with his loved ones. He was so proud of the men his sons became, and of his grandsons that followed.
After a fulfilling career, Dennis retired to Moorhead with Diane. Despite facing health challenges, Dennis found joy in simple activities like going for coffee with friends, reading by the fireplace, and reminiscing about his past adventures. He found joy in spending time with his loved ones, especially cheering on his grandsons at all of their events. Dennis had a deep appreciation for the small pleasures in life, whether it was playing cribbage, indulging in lefse and potato salad, or adding peanut butter to just about anything. In his final years, Dennis cherished moments of serenity at the family cabin on Big Pine Lake and at home in Moorhead, savoring quiet days reliving memories and treasuring the present with those he loved.
Dennis will be remembered for his sense of humor, love for his family, and dedication to his community. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and unwavering love for those closest to him.
Dennis will be missed by his loving wife of 58 years, Diane; his sons Kevin (Kari) Kragnes, and Mark (Trina) Kragnes; his grandsons Kollin (Jessica), Kyle (Jordan), and Blake (Brooke); as well as his sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and many special nieces and nephews.
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Thanks for being a good educator and coach in Barnesville schools for me and so many others. You served as a good example of what a good man, mentor and friend should be. You and Roland Holm had a major influence on my life.
Dennis was a husband, father, teacher, coach and genuine true friend. Most people know Dennis and our dad built the Barnesville High School wrestling program from the ground up. Fewer people know that dad and Dennis spent countess hours fishing , hunting, playing cribbage and cracking each other up. That friendship was one of the main features our childhoods. My brother, sisters and I will always fondly remember our times with Dennis, Diane, Kevin and Mark. We all will also be very grateful for the memories and stories of Dennis and dad’s friendship.
Julie Johnson, Jeff Holm, Jill Hudson and James Holm.
I am honored to call Denny a great friend and neighbor at the lake. Kathie and I shared so many memories with Denny and Diane. And after Kathie passed I was always included which I so grateful.
I will miss Denny’s friendship , the group coffee at the Gathering Saturday mornings, the pontoon rides , companionship , laughter and much more.
Denny was a generous and caring person . He will be deeply missed!
Roger Silkey
I am sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to the entire Kragnes family.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Kragnes family. Jennifer and I so enjoyed visiting with Denny and Diane at Big Pine as we were neighbors. I was a coffee buddy also, we liked to meet at Sandy’s Donuts when we could. Denny would have his caramel roll and savor every bite. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend. Ron Halda.
Rest easy Denny. Will miss visiting with you at the lake.
So sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. I am Denny’s first cousin and we spent much time together as our mothers were sisters. Deer hunting was the best time of year for family times!
~Lois (Johnk)
So sorry to hear of Uncle Denny’s passing. Growing up and having him as an uncle, he provided me with lots of valueable lessons. He will be missed by the family. May he rest in peace.
Prayers to your family. What a special teacher and coach he was to so many……Barnesville was lucky to have him a part of the community for so many years.
Dennis was a special friend who took me on as a young teaching partner. Oh, the stories I could tell of Lee, Den, and I! He made teaching so fun with his sense of humor, caring attitude, and listening ear. He loved you, Diane, and his sons and family so much. I know you have many memories, but I also know how much he will be missed.
Earl and Kathleen Riopelle
My sympathies to the entire family. Mr Kragnes stopped at The Butcher Block this past year and we visited. He said a Stetz gal was in his class. He said she was a talkative one. I responded that I’m the talkative one. We giggled and he had many memories of me he shared. What a great conversation. Great teacher!
Diane, my heart goes out to you. I feel so bad. I know how really close you two were. Denny was so much fun,. I have so many great memories of him.I know he had some health issues and was not real open about discussing them. I’ve had so many good intentions, like getting ahold of the two of you for lunch which never happened. It look like you are not having an open funeral. My prayers are with you and the boys.
Our sympathies to the family of Denny. Paul has many good memories of the great coach he was! May your memories comfort you.
Our deepest condolences to the Kragnes family.
As I reflect on the individuals who have shaped my life, one figure stands out for his extraordinary influence during my formative years: my coach, teacher, and steadfast influence was what Mr. Kragnes was to me. It seemed by divine providence that he was not only my fifth-grade teacher but, fortuitously, my sixth-grade teacher as well. I remember the moment he told me he was going to my sixth-grade teacher. To some, or even to me in different circumstances, it might not have been that big a deal, but for me, in my particular circumstances, it was profoundly impactful. His involvement during that crucial period has had a lifelong influence on me.
Raised by my grandparents, I found in him a mentor who extended his care and wisdom beyond the classroom. He regularly met with my grandmother, offering guidance and support as she navigated the challenges of raising a young boy poised to outgrow the average size of his sixth-grade classmates. His dedication to my well-being and development was the support we sincerely appreciated.
Throughout high school, as I took to the football field, he was there again—as my coach. Under his tutelage, I learned not just the strategies of the game but also the values of discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, and perseverance. His lessons went far beyond football, preparing me for the broader challenges we all experience.
Today, I am grateful to have visited with him and Mr. Ness at lunch recently and for his many roles in my life: teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. His unwavering belief in my potential and his commitment to my growth have left an indelible mark on many people including me.
As the family gathers to remember and celebrate his life, I share these memories with a heart full of gratitude. His legacy is not just in the lessons he taught but in the kindness he showed to my grandmother and me and the many lives he touched in his career.
Thank you to the family for sharing his time. And thank you, coach, for taking the time. Your spirit continues to guide and inspire many of us fortunate enough to have been your students and coworkers, including my wife, Beth.
Thank God for the promise of eternal life and the sure fact that we will be reunited with those who have gone before us.
Prayers and hugs for you Diane and your family. So sorry hear about Dennis! He was such a great person and so good to you and the boys.
My deepest condolences to Diane, Kevin, Mark and the entire Kragnes family. Growing up, I cherished my times with Uncle Denny, especially him taking me out and sharing his knowledge of hunting and fishing. I looked up to my uncle very much, his sense of humor and knack to make others around laugh was contagious. I am very sorry for your sudden loss, the Kragnes family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
I have many fond memories of Dennis, as I worked at Barnesville elementary school during the time he was there. Our sympathy to wife, Diane and Dennis’s son’s and families.
Diane, I’m sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
DIANE, I am so sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. As you know Denny and go a long way back. We lived one block apart, played baseball together, studied together and ran around together. We spent many hours driving around in his green Plymouth, all chipping in for gas and oil at M&H. He will be missed by his many friends.
So sorry to hear about Mr. Kragnes’ passing. Mr. Kragnes was a great teacher and I remember learning how to do a checkbook in his class. Years later, he came to my brother’s graduation party and I went to introduce him to my husband. I said, “This is my old 6th grade teacher” and he corrected me. He was my former 6th grade teacher. He smiled and ever since then I’ve introduced people as my former so and so. You will be missed and thanks for mentoring me! You made so nervous and yet I so respected you. Thank you for letting me babysit Kevin and Mark when they were young and playing bumper pool at your house. Sending our condolences to the Kragnes family.
Dear Loving family of Dennis, So sorry & saddened for the loss of your beloved soul mate father
grandfather and great grandfather . You are in my loving thoughts prayers with deepest sympathy.
Had the privilege to be in his fun company when I spent time at Big Pine Lake with my sister Jan
and hubby Mick Kester Mick spoke so highly with much fondness of their friend ship. Both being
teachers shared some whopper stories of their life experiences . Know Mick got a lot of joy in
their stories. Perhaps Mick will be there in heaven to greet Denny armed with an extra lawn chair
for him sitting by a lake to share more stories . Rip dear soul You will be so missed by many
We are very sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. We always enjoyed him and remember him teaching our kids. He was a great guy. Know we are thinking of you and are in our prayers. Take care.
My heart goes out to Carol and family and Sharon and family! We love you and God granted us memories, so remember to good ones especially of childhood with your parents ❤️