Obituary of Dennis Robert Maurer

Dennis Robert Maurer, age 59, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, April 30th, 2017. Over the preceding ten months he fought bravely and without complaint against the ravages of brain cancer. He was, and remains, a hero to us all. Dennis was born on January 14, 1958 in Medford, Wisconsin to John and Romilda (Lissner) Maurer. The youngest of 5 children, he was raised on the family dairy farm. As a child, Dennis loved training calves for the fair, participating in 4H, riding his horse, spending time wandering the woods on the family property, and singing in church and various choirs. His love for animals, nature, and song marked him throughout his life. Dennis graduated from Medford High School in 1976 and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. After attending school in Eau Claire, Dennis met and courted Dee Steahr. She was the love of his life, and they were married on August 7th, 1982. Upon completing his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Wisconsin - Stout, Dennis embarked on a 33 year career in mental health. Dennis passionately provided care for the underserved communities of the Twin Cities through positions with several community clinics in the area. In 2000, Dennis began working at the Community University Health Care Center (CUHCC) as a Marriage and Family Therapist. During his 17 year tenure Dennis served as a Therapist, ARMHS Supervisor, and the Community Mental Health Director. His dedication in serving the community was evident in all he did, and he was a true believer in CUHCC’s mission of transforming care and education to advance health equity. To know Dennis was to be inspired by him. His zest for life was unsurpassed. In all that he did, he found joy and adventure. His compassion, empathy, and appreciation for the complexity of life and human experience were instructive and exemplary. A man of monumental faith, Dennis served the people of Sovereign Grace Church as a welcome team leader, small group leader, and an encouraging brother and friend. Last, but most certainly not least, Dennis loved his family. His commitment to his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren was a hallmark of his character. Love seems too small a word to encapsulate the depth of devotion, commitment, and feeling that was experienced within the Maurer household. We have all been forever impacted by his example of sacrificial love and devotion. Preceded in death by his father John, mother Romilda, brother Donald, and sister Gayle; Dennis is survived by his beloved wife Dee, sons Benjamin (Allie), Jacob (Olivia), and Aaron (Katie), his four much-doted-on grandchildren, his brothers David (Sandy) and Larry (Naty), nephews, nieces, loving relatives, and close friends. Memorial service to be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 13th at Eden Baptist Church, 1313 Highway 13 East, Burnsville, MN 55337. Luncheon to follow.