Marlyn Paul Denn

MARLYN PAUL DENN, age 88 of Waseca died on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Colony Court.

Born on May 12, 1935, in Beauford, Minnesota, he was the son of Aloysius and Esther (Koch) Denn. He grew up on a farm near Janesville and attended Janesville Elementary School and rural Waseca County School.  He later moved with his family to Waseca where he attended Sacred Heart High School before graduating from the Southern School of Agriculture in 1955.   While at a dance at the Kato Ballroom, Marlyn met Mary Lou Goettl and they were united in marriage on April 9, 1958, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Together they made their home in Waseca where they raised their six children. 

Marlyn began his long career in carpentry.  Within a few years, he joined his brother-in-law, Don Kalbow, and the two of them formed D&K Construction Company. For over 30 years, this partnership built hundreds of homes in Waseca and surrounding communities. When Don retired, Marlyn continued using his carpentry skills and began working as the custodian for 13 years at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School. He continued remodeling homes well into his 70’s. Outside of being a hard-working father and husband, Marlyn enjoyed being the chauffer for the Country Denn’s Band where he would make guest performances from time to time.  This band consisted of all his children. Marlyn enjoyed gardening, telling stories, playing cards, especially Pfeffer, singing karaoke and dancing.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca and was a founding member of the Waseca Eagles Club Aerie 3753.  He cherished his family and always looked forward to their Sunday gatherings after church. Marlyn will be remembered as a hardworking, God loving husband, father, and grandfather. Blessed be his memory.

Marlyn is survived by his children, Marlys (Curt) Froehle of Waseca, Michelle (Patrick) Kelly of Hudson, WI, Mary Jo (Steve) DeLaitsch of Waseca, Michel Denn (Angie Storvick) of Minneapolis, Mark (Nancy) Denn of Waseca,  and Monty (Hilary) Denn of New Prague; 17 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and one on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Albert Denn of Waseca; sister-in-law, Elaine Goettl; and brothers-in-law, Louis (Donna) Goettl and Richard Goettl.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; siblings and in-laws: Lowell and Helen Denn, Edna Mae and Don Kalbow, Lorraine Kalbow, Marilyn and Dwain Nelson, Vernice Denn, Julian and Mary Goettl, Bernie and Delores Goettl, Clete Goettl, Lorraine and Jerry Frederick, Willie and LaVonne Goettl, Adeline and Curt Sieberg, Roger and Sandra Goettl, Elaine and Ike Sweiger, Phyllis Goettl.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with a luncheon to follow.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of services at the church.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waseca.