Dennis Wright Nutson

Dennis was born July 18, 1942 in Owosso,Michigan, to Gordon W. Nutson and Helen J. Draper. At the age of five years old the family moved to California, settling in Modesto. He attended Burbank Elementary, Mark Twain Jr. High and graduated from Modesto High School (Class of 1961).

Dennis began his long career with Save Mart Supermarkets at the age of 16 in 1958, sweeping floors in the back room.

In February of 1962, depending on who is telling the story, Dennis met a young beautiful girl named Beverley Motulewicz. This is where the story differs. Dennis says that Beverley would come in multiple times a day to return soda pop bottles, one at a time just to see him. Regardless, who’s version you believe, they married August 26, 1962.

As Dennis’ career at Save Mart excelled, they had their first child, Brian, August of 1963 and welcomed their second child, Jennifer March of 1967.

Through hard work and dedication, Dennis rose through the ranks of the company. Long hours and his strong commitment to customer service sometimes meant he’d miss his children’s school and sporting events but he was laying a strong foundation for his family to which they would come to appreciate as they grew older. Along with the strong foundation, the family benefited from many perks. There were concerts, award dinners, Nascar races and even a trip to the Super Bowl to watch his beloved SF 49ers in New Orleans.

Then in the spring of 1999, Dennis and Beverley’s world would change. They welcomed their one and only grandchild, Samantha Nicole. He loved his kids but now Dennis was a proud grandpa and would do anything for Samantha including things for his boat. “I need that, it’s for Samantha”. Still to this day we can’t figure out why a six month old needed a new depth finder.

In 2003, as the Grocery Operations Supervisor for the Northern Division, Dennis retired from Save Mart Supermarkets after 45 years of dedicated service. He won multiple awards and accolades but what he considered his most treasured accomplishments were the friendships he made.

After a few years of retirement, Dennis was wanting to work part time. After speaking with a friend, he applied with Storer Transportation as a school bus driver for special needs kids. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t come home smiling about his day with “his kids”. They truly touched his heart.

Dennis was a longtime member of the Modesto Elks Lodge 1282 (Past Exalted Ruler 1993-1994), Elks Camper Club, Modesto Moose Lodge, Modesto Ambassadors (2004 Ambassador of the Year),

E Clampus Vitus Chapter 58, and Old Fisherman’s Club.

He could be found fishing weekends during the spring with his fishing partner, Jennifer. This special time was what they both looked forward to every spring. The talks on the drive up, the stories he’d always start with...”Did I ever tell you” which meant usually at least one hundred times before but she listened as if she had never heard them. He loved working around the ranch and garden with Brian, traveling with Beverley in their RV, going to Samantha’s swim meets and the Stanislaus County Fair to watch her show her swine and anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great granddaughter, Brooklyn Nicole. He was so looking forward to teaching her how to fish and to share his love for the SF Giants, SF 49ers, NASCAR and most importantly tell her all his stories. We were all waiting to find out what was needed for the boat because “it’s for Brooklyn”!

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Helen Nutson and brother Bruce Nutson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 wonderful years, Beverley; children, Brian Nutson, Jennifer Boyden and adopted daughter Christina “Kiki” Jones; granddaughter Samantha Boyden (Keith Yancy) and his cookie sharing faithful sidekick Sadie, the dog.

Due to the covid guidelines and for the overall safety for all, the family is having a private service but will be planning a Celebration of Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Modesto Elks Lodge #1282 attn: Peggy Massey 645 Charity Way Modesto, CA 95356 in memory of Dennis W. Nutson.

“Set the hook and get the net”!