Dennis Leth, 80, Hartley

A funeral service for Dennis Leth was held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, at the Hartley Funeral Home chapel in Hartley. Pastor Lynn Dau officiated.

Pallbearers were Jason Leth, Zachary Hollowell, Colby Hollowell, Tony Murphy, Zak Schnack and Derek Rice. Honorary pallbearers were Jessica Murphy, Janelle Schnack, Cassandra Rice, Jaclyn Hollowell and all of his great-grandchildren. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery. Military graveside rites were conducted by Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288, American Legion of Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Dennis Leth was born on Jan. 26, 1941 in Lake Crystal, Minn., to Albert “Slats” and Lucille “Dolly” (Kunst) Leth.

On Oct. 8, 1963, Dennis began serving his country with the United States Army, being stationed at Fort Riley, Kan. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 7, 1965.

Dennis was united in marriage to the love of his life, JoAnn Marie DeWall, on Nov. 3, 1967 in Spencer. They made their home in Hartley, where they raised their three children: Bradley, Marcy and Brian. He was employed for 35 years with Sorensen Farm Drainage in Hartley and then spent his remaining working years at PSI Pipeline until his retirement.

A standout trip for Dennis was the family vacation they took to the Black Hills of South Dakota in 1975. He and JoAnn returned years later with his brother, Ronnie and his wife, Marge. They also enjoyed visiting the cousins in Mankato, Minn., and going to the casino. In the summer, you could usually find Dennis out in the backyard tending his garden. He was a loyal member of the American Legion Post #288 in Hartley.

Dennis loved going to the kids’ sporting events and never missed a Special Olympics event of Brian’s. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed watching as many of their games as he could along with his sons, grandson Colby, friends and special buddy, Mike Boever.

On Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, Dennis passed away at his home in Hartley with his family at his side, at the age of 80 years and 17 days.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn; children: Bradley (Brenda) Leth, Marcy (Kirby) Hollowell and Brian Leth; grandchildren: Jessica (Tony) Murphy, Janelle (Zak) Schnack, Jason Leth, Zachary (Jaclyn) Hollowell, Colby Hollowell and Cassandra (Derek) Rice; great-grandchildren: Aidan Espeland, Jayden Leth, Anakin Schnack, Knoxton Hollowell, Payton Rice and Paxton Rice; brothers: Richard Leth and Gerald (Susan) Leth; sisters-in-law: Toni DeWall, Jan DeWall, Susie (Dean) Pierce and Elaine Brehmer; brothers-in-law: Gary (Pam) DeWall and Danny “Boone” (Deanna) DeWall.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers: Jack Brehmer, Ray Brehmer, Ronnie Brehmer and Terry Leth; sister, Sally Steffens; sisters-in-law: Pam Leth, Carol Leth and Sylvia Brehmer; brothers-in-law: Alvin Steffens, Terry DeWall and Dennie DeWall.