Obituary of Dennis McVenes

Dennis R. McVenes, 77, of Cambridge, formerly of Edgerton, MN passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at his home. He was born October 17, 1931 in Slayton, MN to Milford P. and Jessie E. (Paige) McVenes. He grew up and later resided on the McVenes family farm in Murray County. He graduated from Edgerton Public High School in 1950. He attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis MN, after graduation he worked for Kline Olds as a mechanic, and later started an auto repair business in Minneapolis. Dennis met Shirley Ann Schuett of Giese, MN during his time in Minneapolis. They married July 3, 1954. Dennis moved his auto repair business back to the family farm in Edgerton in 1955. His business grew rapidly and he expanded his business to include machine shop services, providing crankshaft grinding, engine re-boring and total engine and transmission overhauls for other local garages. After suffering a back injury, Dennis moved to Redwood Falls, MN in 1970 and served as an automotive technology instructor in the Vocational High School Co-op program. He moved to Hutchinson, MN in 1973, and became part of the Hutchinson Area Vocational Technical School in the automotive program. Dennis retired from teaching in 1987, and he and Shirley moved to Giese, MN working for the Sandstone School District as a school bus service technician and drove bus, until fully retiring in 1996. Dennis and Shirley managed Husnik's Resort on Wahkon Bay on Mille Lacs Lake during the summers from 1995 thru 2000. Dennis and Shirley relocated to Cambridge, MN after experiencing health problems, where they resided at the time of Dennis death on February 3, 2009. Dennis was baptized and confirmed at the Hadley Lutheran Church and belonged to the Hadley/Chandler congregations throughout his life. He served on the church council of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, MN. He was a Webelos leader in the Boy Scouts organization. He led the automotive VICA student group in Hutchinson and annually took his club to Chicago for the auto shows. He was an active member of the Auto Technician of Minnesota organization. In later years, Dennis served on the Community Club of Finlayson, MN. Dennis had many interests. He was an avid sportsman. Deer hunting in northern Minnesota, Wyoming and Montana for many years was his special interest. He shot trap, hunted pheasants, and in the 1980's served as the president of the Pine Lake Sportsman club. He enjoyed both summer and winter fishing across Minnesota and South Dakota. Dennis' special passion was for flying. He attained his pilots license in the early 1960's and owned 2 airplanes over the following 20 years. Over the years, Dennis and Shirley developed many friends across the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. This led to a life long interest in camping and frequently joining "camping" friends in many venues. Dennis is survived by his wife Shirley, sons Rick (Jill) McVenes of Isanti, MN, Tim (Cindy) McVenes of Baraboo, WI, five grandchildren, sister, Delores Hausman of Brandon, South Dakota, and many nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, and his brother-in-law, Dale Hausman.