|
|
Watt, Dennis Edward, Age 80, passed away peacefully in Wayzata, Minnesota, surrounded by family and love, following a hard fought, 15-month battle with brain cancer. Preceded in death by wife Judy Watt (Larson) and parents Charles and Lucille. Survived by wife Julie (Owen), sons Adam (Theressa) and Andy (Allison), and grandsons Harrison, Charlie and Hugo; brother Dale (Judy Jo) and countless other family and friends.
Born in Duluth, Dennis moved to Minneapolis as a young boy. He graduated Robbinsdale High School in 1959. After a few years attending the University of Minnesota, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him and his best friend, Dave Peterson, to start a printing company in an old garage in Robbinsdale. In addition to getting his business started, Dennis was incredibly active in the community, running the Robbinsdale Teen Center, chairing events of the Aquatennial celebration, actively participating in groups like the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and even owning a Dairy Queen. However, his printing company, Watt/Peterson, Inc. became his passion and a great success. Dennis and Dave grew the business eventually moving it to Plymouth, Minnesota. For the better part of 40 years, Watt/Peterson operated as one of the highest quality, most respected printing companies in the country.
While his entrepreneurial story was incredible, it was his unmatched generosity, loyalty and faith that truly defined him. Dennis was an active mentor, advisor and go-to volunteer throughout his lifetime. He was incredibly active in his faith communities and often leveraged Watt/Peterson as a force for good, helping to grow several non-profits and faith communities by donating printing. In his spare time, Dennis put his energy into two great passions: flying and his home (Whispering Point) on the North Shore. To experience either alongside him was to truly know him. Whether skiing, wood splitting, sitting by a fire, or co-piloting a joyride in his Malibu Mirage, Dennis’ charm, warm heart and hospitality was infectious and made all who knew him, love him. But more than anything, Dennis was an incredibly dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. His passion for hard work and family, love of travel, traditions on the North Shore, and strong faith have been passed through to his sons and grandsons. He will never be forgotten, and his legacy will live on through all those he has touched.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at Lutsen Lutheran Church. Coffee and cookies to follow the service. Memorials preferred to Lutsen Lutheran Church.
Leave a Reply