Dennis Lundgren - Elkton

Feb. 22, 1947 – July 8, 2017

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Dennis Robert Lundgren, 70, died at home surrounded by his loving family under hospice care on July 8, 2017, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer.

Visitation will be held at the United Parish Church in Elkton on Wednesday from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.   Funeral services will be held July 13 at the Elkton United Parish at 10:30 a.m. with burial at the Elkton Cemetery. Eidsness Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Dennis Robert Lundgren was born on Feb. 22, 1947, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Superior, Wis., the son of Robert V. and Shirley K. (Moe) Lundgren. He received his elementary education in Carlton, Minn., Sioux Falls and Lake Benton, Minn., moving to Elkton in August 1960 for his eighth grade year and graduated in 1965.

He attended South Dakota State University, where he received his bachelor of science in arts and science, majoring in printing management, in June 1969. He was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army. He went on to complete his master of science in arts and science graduating in August 1971. He completed his Army training at Fort Benning, Ga.. in 1971 and served eight years in the Army Reserve.

He returned to Elkton and continued working with Lundgren Publishing Company with his father. During this time they added the White Leader and Toronto Herald to their ownership with the Elkton Record.

Dennis met the love of his life, Deanna Renae Steen, in the spring of 1974. They were married on June 14, 1975. They had three children: Jeremy Scott, Georgianna Renae (Jensen) and Scott Dennis.

Dennis accepted employment with SDSU in The Printing Laboratory in June 1976 as composing room foreman. In August he accepted the promotion to instructor in the Printing Management curriculum in the Department of Journalism. In December Dennis was appointed as production manager of the printing laboratory, a position he held until his retirement in September 2008.

He became a member of the Elkton Volunteer Fire Department in October 1973. As a member, he served as Fire Chief for two years, treasurer and secretary for several years..

He retired from the department in November 2005 after 32 years.

He was elected to the Elkton City Council as a councilman in 1974 and then was elected mayor in 1976. He returned to a councilman position in 1978. He ran for school board in 1979 and was elected and gave up his city council position. He served on the school board for more than 20 years. In March 2017, Dennis was honored by being inducted into the Elk Nation Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the school. After his years on the School Board, he was again elected to the city council and was currently serving as a councilman.

Dennis helped organize Cub and Boy Scouting in Elkton in 1984.

Dennis was an active member of the Elkton United Parish Church. He was a past president of the Commercial Club, assisted in planting over 300 trees in the park and lagoon area. He also served as the first president of the Elkton Jaycees.

Dennis was a member of the Elkton American Legion Glen Stafford Post 198 for 29 years.

Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He loved his family and cherished the time they spent together. He enjoyed golf, bowling, Suduko, watching the Twins and Vikings, gardening, cooking, family vacations and get-togethers.

He is surivived by his wife of 42 years, Deanna; his son, Jeremy (Becky); daughter, Georgianna (Steve) Jensen; son, Scott; five granddaughters; his mother, Shirley Lundgren; brother, Bruce and wife Renay; sister, Dawn and husband, Scott Wilson, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lundgren; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Calvin and Fern Steen; sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Gary Utoft; sister-in-law, Donna (Steen) Drury; and nephew, Joel Lundgren.