Dennis John Koewler, age 83, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at his home.
Dennis was born on Feb. 14, 1943 in St. Paul, MN. He grew up in the areas of Milaca, Pine City, and Hastings. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1961. He participated in football, wrestling, and track while in high school. Denny bowled in leagues at Friar Tucks and Showboat Lanes in Hastings and participated in many bowling tournaments. He also loved trapshooting.
After high school, Denny enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Canberra (CAG-2) during the Vietnam War. He was in charge of the computer systems and radar on the ship. These were the first computer systems used by the Navy for fire control.
After discharge from the Navy, he began work for Sperry as a defense contractor. His training in the Navy gave him the background he needed.
Denny married Jean on Dec. 20, 1969 in Hastings. They have 3 sons: David (Stefanie), Robert (Wendy), John (Sheila). He was proud of their accomplishments and loved to tell everyone about them.
In Oct. 1999, Denny and Jean purchased their retirement home on the lake north of Grand Rapids, MN. Denny loved fishing, hunting, and being outdoors doing the many jobs that are necessary to maintain their property.
Denny is preceded in death by his parents James and Lou Ella Koewler and his brother: John R. Koewler.
Denny is survived by his wife: Jean, his three sons, four grandchildren Jacob, Thomas, Madelyn, and Jameson, brother: Michael (Lynn), sister-in-law: Nancy, nieces: Michele Koewler and Melissa (Steve) Goettl, and nephew: Michael Koewler.
Denny is also survived by his biological brothers and sisters Carol, Mary Jo, Denise, George, Paul, Patti, Rick, Judi, Darlene, Darrel, Doug, Diane, Dale, Donna, and Donald.
He was also preceded in death by his biological parents and brother Dennis.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Rev. David N. Anderson will officiate. Full Military Honors will be held at the church following the funeral service and will be accorded by the Grand Rapids Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in the Wabana Cemetery, Wabana Township, MN.
Instead of flowers, please consider a memorial to: Essentia Health St. Mary’s Itasca Hospice, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids, MN, Second Harvest Food Bank, or your favorite charity.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcreatory.com
