Victor Edwin Denny, lovingly known as Vic, Dad, Pops, Grandpa, and Papa, passed away April 9, 2021, at the age of 65, from COVID-19. None of his beloved family and friends were ready to say goodbye. While he left the world a little bit happier and more full of love, he left it much too soon. Vic had many more songs to sing, meals to cook, miles to drive, games to watch, and hugs to give. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Vic was born and raised in Preston, Minn., son to Alta and Kenneth Denny and brother to Keith, Vicky, and Lisa. He followed his own path academically, beginning his college career at the University of Minnesota and finishing at Minnesota State University Mankato. He met a young Wendy Soulek when she moved to Preston to begin her teaching career in 1974. The rest, as they say, is history. They were married on July 14, 1978, and children Nate, Adam, and Nicki followed in the years to come.
Vic spent 40 years of his career at The Post Bulletin in Rochester, rising through the ranks to director of technology. When he and Wendy moved to Lindstrom later in life, he continued to work in information technology at US Foods in Plymouth. He never got the chance to retire. Vic was excellent with computers and could fix pretty much anything (as long as it wasn’t an Apple. He probably could fix those; he just didn’t want to).
Vic was no stranger to the driver’s seat of the family vehicle, traveling the road from Preston to Rochester daily for work and shuttling his kids around the state for sports on the weekends. He put on the miles to watch Adam play football and basketball in college and continued to drive any distance to watch grandsons Cade and Eli play hockey and shoot trap, and granddaughters Autumn, Vivian, and Maggie play soccer, t-ball, and dance. And while granddaughter Helen (3) hasn’t quite hit sports playing age yet, we know Vic was looking forward to being her traveling cheering section as well.
Vic liked riding in the passenger seat just about as much as he liked someone else cooking in his kitchen or — God forbid — cleaning it. Vic was an excellent cook; his pizza burgers, chicken noodle soup, homemade pizza, and chili were family favorites. It was with great reluctance that he finally gave in and let his kids (by then grown with kids of their own) cook brunch during family weekends at the lake. But he’d be darned if anyone but him loaded the dishwasher or wiped the counters. Vic was an absolute perfectionist in everything he did. Some would say it was Wendy who wanted things just so (and they’d be right) but Vic was right there making sure each crumb was swept up, each blade of grass trimmed, and each stone removed from the sand on the beach (seriously).
Vic had a beautiful baritone singing voice. He sang at so many weddings and funerals throughout southeast Minnesota he likely lost count, but anyone who ever heard him sing “The Lord’s Prayer” has surely never forgotten it. His voice rivaled the best trained professionals and he shared his gift widely. Vic sang while doing each and every task Wendy asked him to do.
Vic loved watching the Twins and Gophers. He was lucky enough to go to opening day at Target Field and to sit with his sons at many Gopher Football games.
The thing Vic loved most in life was spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who would do anything for those he loved. From making chocolate malts and popcorn (after he JUST cleaned the kitchen!) to being the designated driver no matter what time of night it was, to doing just about anything one human can do for another, Vic was willing. His love for his wife Wendy, his kids Nate, Adam, and Nicki; his kids by marriage, Juli, Emily, and Joe; and his grandkids Cade, Eli, Autumn, Vivian, Maggie, and Helen, knew no bounds. Nor did our love for him.
Vic was preceded in death by his mother, Alta, father Kenneth, mother-in-law Helen Soulek, father-in-law Venda Soulek, and brother-in-law Emil Knish. A celebration of life will take place in June. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to your local hospital or hospice caregivers. And remember: get your shot, wear your mask, and give your love and your help freely.
Condolences can be left at grandstrandfh.com
Leave a Reply