Dennis C. Hoel, age 80, of Mohave Valley, Arizona, formerly of Blaine, Minnesota, passed away after a short illness on July 25, 2026, surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.
Denny was born April 30, 1946, in Rushford, Minnesota, to Clifford and Annette (Dahle) Hoel. He graduated from Rushford High School in 1964. He enlisted in the United States Navy on October 21, 1964. He was a designated parachute rigger responsible for packing, maintenance and inspection of aviator’s survival equipment as well as aircraft troubleshooting. His superiors referred to him as eager, conscientious and highly effective. His honorable discharge was on December 18, 1968. Shortly after his discharge he began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Rochester, Minnesota, as a splicer.
Denny and Saundra Young were married on October 17, 1970, in Rochester, Minnesota.
He spent over 42 years in the telecommunications business working in several management positions. He retired in June 2010 and moved to Arizona, where the winters allowed him to enjoy his favorite sport of golf.
Denny loved all sports and got involved in coaching hockey and soccer for his son and daughter for many years. He was on hockey boards and served as president for several years. He was also a member of the VFW and Lions and served as president there as well. Denny was extremely outgoing and made friends wherever he went. He was a guy everyone enjoyed being around. His son’s and daughter’s friends always looked forward to spending time with him and referred to him as Big Den. To this day they still call him Big Den. Denny loved deer hunting and the season could never come soon enough. He, his brothers and several good friends had a hunting shack in Rushford that they named Hoel in the Wall. Many good times were shared there along with lots of laughter.
Denny is survived by his wife Saundra, son Ryan, daughter Lori (Tom) and granddaughters Eleanor and Marilyn. To Eleanor and Marilyn he was Papa Extraordinaire and he loved spending time with them. Denny is also survived by his sister Diane (Bill) Luhmann and his brother Stuart (Kathy) Hoel and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Denny is preceded in death by his parents and brother Allan.
Services were held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel located at 515 Hwy 96W Shoreview 55126. Burial will be at Fort Snelling at a later date.
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