Dennis Killian

Dennis Killian, age 76, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday, July 15th, at Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fosston with the Father JohnMelkies Suvakeen and Father James Cheney Concelebrating. Interment will be St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery Hansville, rural Fosston. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday, July 19th, and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. All visitation will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fosston. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com.Dennis was born on August 5, 1942 in rural Fosston to Lawrence and Fern (Jordan) Killian. He was the fourth child of eight siblings; Tom, Patricia, Marge, Cecelia, Larry, Mary and Donny. He went to school in Fosston up until 10th grade and finished his high school degree at The University of Minnesota Crookston, then known as an Agriculture High School. Afterwards, he went to St. Paul and worked at the Ford Motor Company. While at Ford, he attended the Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis for a machinist degree. It was while at Ford, he became inspired by a co-worker and his masonry and concrete work. Dennis worked alongside him to learn his craft when he was not working at the Ford Plant. Eventually, Dennis was building vehicles at night and building houses during the day. We are not sure when he slept.On November 26, 1964, he married Joyce Ann Ostrowski, from Browerville, MN, the love of his life and they lived in a rented little pink house in St. Paul. From 1965-1968, three children were born; Shari, Becky and Shawn. In 1969, it was time for Dennis to build his own house, so he bought a lot in Lino Lakes, MN, and began construction on their first home. Rachel was born here in 1970. He raised his family here for seven years. In 1976, Dennis bought his parents' farm in Fosston, MN, and moved his family up north. Christopher was born in 1977. He began construction on their next house while the family lived in a pick-up camper for the summer until the basement was finished. Dennis farmed and owned his own masonry company, Killian Construction, in which his sons worked alongside him, both learning the craft and beginning their own masonry companies. The work of his hands is evident in the buildings around northern Minnesota and his influence on those who worked alongside of him is endless.Dennis had many passions and gifts. He came from a musical family and loved to play guitar and sing with his sisters and brothers. He especially loved listening to his daughters sing and play piano. He played hard, racing snowmobiles, riding motorcycles and four-wheelers. He even had a plane for awhile! He also loved fishing, hunting and being around people, especially his family and grandchildren. Cheering on his grandchildren playing sports and being together with family around a campfire brought such joy to his heart. People loved to be around Dennis. He was known for his quick wit, his dramatic story-telling, and his kind and compassionate spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Killian, his mother, Fern (Jordan) Killian and his brother, Tom Killian. He is survived by his wife Joyce; his five children, Shari (Scott) Daniels, Becky (Craig) Haugen, Shawn (Joanne) Killian, Rachel Spry and Chris Killian siblings; Pat (Jim) Steinle, Marge (Gale) Cheney, Cecelia (David) Nelson, Larry (Diane) Killian, Mary (Gary) Altepeter and Donny Killian; one sister-in law, Dorothy Killian; one uncle, Gerald Killian; twelve grandchildren, Lauren (Nick) Ricks, Marcus Daniels, Gracie Daniels, Ryan Daniels, Christian Haugen, Cameron Killian, Claire Killian, Carly Killian, Josie Spry, Leo Spry, Amelia Killian and Ashton Killian; and one great grandchild, Grayson Ricks. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.