Wayne Denton

Wayne E. Denton, 73, of Atwater, died Tuesday, December 31st at his home surrounded by family. His memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, January 6th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 pm, Sunday January 5th also at the church. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Atwater immediately following the service. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Wayne Eugene Denton was born to Eugene and Eileen (Weiland) Denton on January 5, 1946, in Willmar. He grew up in rural Clara City before moving to Atwater in 1956. He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater. He graduated from Atwater High School in 1964. Wayne served in the Army where he was stationed in Germany and France during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged after serving from 1965-1967. On March 24, 1968, Wayne was united in marriage to Judy Kragenbring at First Lutheran Church in Hector. To this union, three children were born. During this time he was employed with Kandiyohi County for 38 years as an independent road grader operator. He served 25 years on the Atwater Fire Department, was involved with the Atwater Jaycees and was a member of the American Legion.  He enjoyed playing softball in his younger years, was an avid gardener, enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, and you  would often see him cruising the town. Wayne was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother and friend.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Judy; children: Jason (Melissa) Denton of Atwater, Jennifer (Paul) Gjerde of Sunburg and Megan (Edward) Hoekstra of Grove City; grandchildren: Madison, Jeana and Brock Denton; Samantha, Weston, Maret, Josie and Elsa Gjerde; Logan and Taylor Hoekstra. He is also survived by his mother, Eileen Denton; sister, Nancy Alstead; sister-in-law, Maxine (Richard) Falk; and brother-in-law, Gregg (Robin) Kragenbring.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Denton.   

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