Dennis Melvin Michelson

Denny was preceded in death by his wife, Jan; his father, Melvin; and his mother, Mary Lou. Denny is survived by son Nick (Shannon) and grandchildren Jordyn and Carter; siblings Mark Michelson (Joseph Saavedra), Chuck (Judy) Michelson, Jackie (Jan) Zimmerman, Lynette Dickson, Jeff (Michelle) Michelson, and Steve (Julie) Michelson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Denny was born February 5, 1949 in Marshall, MN to Melvin and Mary Lou (Rogge) Michelson. He grew up and attended school in Cottonwood, MN, and graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1967. Denny was drafted into the U.S. Army, served from 1969 to 1970 in the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged. He and Jan met in late 1970. They were married on October 1, 1977 in Marshall, MN. They started their lives together in a house in Columbia Heights where they raised their son, Nick. In 2002, Denny and Jan built their forever home and moved to Andover, MN.

Denny loved to work. His career was one important part of his working life. He started at New York Life in 1978, advising clients about life insurance and investments. He worked there for 25 years and retired in 2003. He spoke fondly of his colleagues and kept in touch with a few over the years. Other parts of his working life included owning a hair salon where Jan worked for 10 years, doing side work in construction with a good friend, working at a jewelry store, and working at Gander Mountain and Menards. Denny made numerous connections throughout his work endeavors, knowing exactly who to call for anything from buying a car to tiling a bathroom. He shared many stories about his coworkers.

Outside of work, Denny had many other interests. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends. He played golf a couple times each year. Sports were also a large part of his life. He played sports as a kid and watched all sports on TV (of course professional sports, but especially the University of MN Gopher teams). His love of sports sparked his coaching “career.” He coached Nick every year from elementary school through 8th grade in baseball and basketball. He was a passionate coach, making sure to help all kids learn and grow throughout a season. Denny also enjoyed classic cars, walking through car shows, or watching a car auction on TV. He owned a 1970 Nova SS and dreamed of buying another classic car one day. Denny also enjoyed the yearly summer week at Gull Lake with Jan and Nick, and later with Shannon and the grandkids. This was a tradition for 40 years, with 30 of those years at the same resort! He loved conversation with the owners and other guests that became lifelong friends. Lastly, Grandpa was a title Denny wore proudly. He loved his two grandkids, Jordyn and Carter. He spent time supporting their activities, rarely missing one of their basketball games, gymnastics shows, or baseball games. Denny could be happily convinced by them to play just about anything.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Denny's life at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids on June 26, 2026 from 1-4pm, with memory sharing at 3pm.