Obituary of Dennis Lee Griebenow

 

In loving memory of

Dennis Lee Griebenow

May 23rd, 1942 – April 5th, 2025

Dennis Lee Griebenow, loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones and the family dog, Skye, on April 5th, 2025.

Dennis was born on May 23rd, 1942. Son of Esther Mae Griebenow (born Paulson) and Richard Herman Griebenow. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul Lewis, and his sister, Lana.

Dennis grew up in Clermont, a small rural town in north-eastern Iowa. He had two siblings; brother Paul Lewis, who sadly succumbed to meningitis at only 20 months old, and his little sister, Lana. His family was an integral part of the Clermont community. Richard ran the town’s Phillips 66, and young Dennis often helped out at the gas station. His father was also a volunteer firefighter and even served as the town’s mayor. Esther was the consummate homemaker and ever-loving mother. Always caring for her family, she nevertheless found time to help others as well. Patching up kids who fell off the swings in the park across the street, she was known as the band-aid lady. She quilted hundreds of blankets to be shipped to Europe as part of the Marshall Plan. Her warm heart and good spirits were legendary in the community.

Richard’s brother, Leo, owned the town's grocery store. Dennis had many fond memories and fun stories from his uncle’s store. Leo’s son, Leon Griebenow, and Dennis remained close until Dennis passed away.

The family would often go on road trips to destinations near and far. They would often visit uncles and aunts on nearby farms for family picnics. But they would also pack up the car and go all the way to California to visit family there. One favorite destination was Yakima, WA, where they would visit Esther’s brother Alert and his family. These were exciting expeditions for Dennis and Lana and were the source of many good stories that he would happily share later in life. After Alert passed away, Dennis maintained good relations with Alert’s son, Bill Paulson. Dennis and Rose visited Bill and his family in Washington on several occasions.

Lana and Dennis remained close. He and Rose and their family would visit Lana and her husband Rod Hespen in Nebraska. On other occasions, they would meet in Clermont. Lana passed away in 2019, but Dennis and Rod stayed in touch as both family and friends.

Throughout his whole life, Dennis’ family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances in Clermont and its surroundings were a source of immense joy and pride.

In the early 1960s, Dennis attended Luther College in Decorah, IA. There he met Berit Falkenhaug, a foreign exchange student from Norway. Dennis moved with Berit back to Norway, where they married and had a son, Christian. He lived in Norway for 12 years, during which he learned to speak the language fluently and worked in the U.S. Embassy in Oslo. He made several lifelong friends in Norway and enjoyed corresponding with them.

In the late 1970s, he divorced Berit and returned to the U.S. He settled in Minneapolis and found a position as a security officer downtown. He devoted himself to his work and did it well. The wit and sharp tone of the office banter suited him perfectly, but his coworkers also recognized his thoughtful and caring character. His bond with colleagues grew strong, and their friendship was an important factor in his life. He stayed with the company until he retired in 2013. Several of his colleagues remained close friends after that.

It was also through work that he met the true love of his life, Rose. Dennis was working security at F&M Bank where Rose worked as an assistant supervisor. They started dating in March 1982, married less than a year later on February 4th, 1983, and celebrated their 42nd anniversary this past February.

Dennis was a thinker and a ponderer of life’s mysteries. An avid reader, he would pore over books on politics, religions, and philosophy – classical literature, as well as modern writings. He also wrote, and for a few years, he authored, edited, and published his own periodical in Clermont, commenting on current affairs, and sharing memories from his childhood in town. He truly enjoyed discussing matters great and small with anyone willing to hear and impart a good argument.

Dennis was fascinated with all things food related. From growing vegetables to fine dining. He collected recipes and cookbooks his whole life, and in his later years, he eagerly watched TV chefs preparing their meals. Always, whether he was eating French cuisine in Paris, or some Southern specialty in New Orleans, he would jokingly compare the dish with his mom’s home cooking. Of course, his mother’s food would always come out on top. He relished meals together with loved ones. His witty remarks and keen insights always made for great conversation either at big get-togethers or at the kitchen table alone with his wife.

As anyone who met Dennis knows well, humor was an important part of his personality. His jokes and remarks were appreciated by those who shared his ability to see the lighter side of things, and his quick comebacks would crack up those around him. From saucy exchanges with the guys at the office to the delicate teasing of grandsons, nieces, and nephews, his sense of humor touched so many. It made him fun to be around. In part, it made him a great spouse and father, an exciting and fun grandfather, and a favorite uncle to many.

Dennis was an explorer. His curiosity for history, culture, and heritage led him on many spectacular adventures. Already as a young man, he took a boat across the Atlantic and traveled throughout Europe alone. Not so common at that time. Before he settled down, he also lived by himself in New York City while he attended photography school. His passion for traveling persisted and he loved going on family trips, domestically and abroad for as long as his health would allow it. He and Rose toured Europe hand in hand three times, went on several cruises, and visited exotic destinations all over the United States and Mexico. But his favorite destination was always Clermont. Rose and he would go there whenever they could to spend time with loved ones. When they were there, their porch was the community center for morning coffee. He treasured those gatherings of fond friends, neighbors, and kinfolk, always filled with laughter, love, and good conversation.

Most of all Dennis was a caring and loving family man. He adored his wife Rose above all and would never tire of spending time with her. She was the sunshine in his life, and he often expressed how grateful he was to have her by his side.

He had a wonderful relationship with his son Christian, his daughter-in-law Siv, and his two grandsons, William and Richard, who all live in Norway. He loved his grandsons and despite the great distance, he would keep in close contact through messaging, chats, and video calls. Also, every summer Christian and his family came to visit.

He also enjoyed a good relationship with Rose’s family and took great interest in the well-being of the nieces and nephews and of their children.

Dennis made a lasting impression on so many lives, and he will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.

Celebration of Life parties will be held in July so that friends and family members from near and far can attend. As per Dennis’ wishes, the family asks for no Memorial Contributions or donations in his name.

Celebration of Life parties will be held at the following dates and venues:

Clermont: Saturday, July 19th, 4 – 6 PM, City Park across from the family home at 401 Iowa St, Clermont, IA 52135

Minneapolis: Saturday, July 26th, 4 – 6 PM, MISCO, 1771 Energy Park Dr, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55108