Denise Louise Clemens was welcomed into heaven on February 16, 2026, at the age of 63. She was a brave and spirited individual with a wonderful sense of humor. She carried those qualities through every challenge her disabilities put in front of her, and they are what people will remember most.

She was proceeded in death by her father, Don Clemens; her grandparents, Ralph and Jane Kienlen; her uncle, Dennis Kienlen; and her sister-in-law, Vicki Krueger. She is survived by her mother Carol Clemens, stepfather Hal Nitch, brother Dan Clemens and his family -- Blake, (Amanda), Derek, (Mindy), Hannah, Nora, Lillia, Liana, Liam, Endris, Meseret, aunts and uncles Kathy and Randy Ramos Judith Kienlen, and stepmother Carole Clemens.

Denise was born in St. Paul, grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from a Minneapolis Special Education High School. While she enjoyed the graduation part, the day-to-day discipline was too much. She was at her best in environments that allowed her to express herself. She worked in a variety of programs over the years and really liked the paychecks.

Dense was a card shark, notorious for cheating and enjoying the theatrics. Denise was always excited about getting together for family gatherings, and holiday celebrations. She was very careful about putting an outfit together, but she did not like wearing skirts, because you had to keep your legs together and feet on the floor. She relented if there was a good reason like wanting to go to a prom or a party -- but true to herself, wearing long skirts!

A celebration of Denise's life will be held at a future date.