Dennis L. Wateland

Dennis (Denny) Leroy Wateland, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2020 in the presence of his earthly and spiritual family at 76 years of age.

Denny was born to Archie and Faye (Hazemann) Wateland on December 09, 1943, near Colfax, ND.  The family moved to Fargo when he was very young. Through his younger years, Denny could be seen driving cool cars and playing in a weekend band.

Denny was united in marriage to Patricia Swiggum in 1962.  They made their home in Moorhead, MN and were gifted with three amazing children.  Denny was a hardworking and prideful man. He worked for Bob’s Transfer and then U-Haul in Fargo until his well-deserved retirement in 2006.

He loved music and swooned a perfect Elvis while playing with the Country Demons and Country Ramblers. Everyone loved listening to him sing.  Denny continued to share that beautiful voice singing Karaoke every Friday at Sunset Lanes.  It was not unusual to see him surrounded by many friends while sitting at his favorite spot next to his best friend Peaty.

Denny was a wonderful father and Grandpa.  He was always the happiest when surrounded by his family. You could see it on his face and hear it in his laughter. He had this gift to live in those moments with no distractions and enjoy every second. His love was obvious and could be felt across any room and any distance.  Denny also had a special bond with his animals.  They were a big part of his life. He provided a loving home for many dogs, cats and even a wild bunny now and then.

Denny is survived by his wife Pat, daughter Laurie Ochsner (Perry), son Brian Wateland (Holiday) and three wonderful grandchildren, Shane Ochsner (Holly), Tyler Ochsner, Aimee Lee Hayes (Jordan).  Two great Grandchildren, Arbor Lee and Vada Gene Ochsner.  His sister Sharon Wateland and brother Hap Demesy.

Denny is preceded in his passing by his daughter Tracy Ann Wateland.  Four brothers: Wayne, Roger, Robert, Bernie and adopted brother Don (Duck) Rohrich.

Denny always talked about the day he would see his daughter Tracy again. He knew she would be there waiting on the other side to guide him into his new beginning.  We can only imagine what kind of joy that reunion must have been like. It gives us great comfort to know that Denny had that kind of faith in our Lord Jesus that he had no doubt that he would leave this life and see Tracy again.  They will celebrate in a beautiful place with no pain or sadness and be surrounded by the love of Jesus. We know he would say, “Carry on”.

Because we care about your safety, this will be a private service for immediate family members only.  Our lives have been forever changed by this virus. We pray that you understand and respect this request.  Please join us in celebrating Denny’s life via live stream 11/06/2020 at 2:00 pm. at www.wrightfuneral.com. The family will host a memorial at a later date when conditions allow.

Interment will be at Moorhead Memorial Gardens