Dennis Magsam

Dennis Gene Magsam, 76, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks surrounded by his loving family on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was born on August 17, 1948, to parents, Merle and Marie (Goosen) Magsam, in Crookston, and was raised in Euclid.

Dennis attended grade school and graduated from high school in Crookston, with the class of 1966. He went on to attend the Northwest School of Agriculture earning an associate degree in 1969. After earning his degree, Dennis joined the United States Army and proudly served two years as a clerk in Fort Leonard, Missouri. Immediately upon returning to Euclid in 1971, Dennis began his career at the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC). He was a dedicated employee at UMC and after forty-three years of employment, he proudly retired in 2012.

Dennis met the love of his life, Sylvia "Toby" Bye shortly after returning from the Army; and they were married on September 8, 1973, at St. Mary's Church in Euclid. He and Toby lived in Euclid until they moved to Crookston in 1983 where they made a life for themselves and lovingly raised their two children Troy and Tracey. In 2010, they built their dream retirement home in Crookston. Toby sadly passed away on November 17, 2024, leaving Dennis to live in their home with their beloved dog Bernie and cat Gus. He suffered a brain bleed in January 2025 and had been living at the Villa St. Vincent the past few months doing rehab. Even during these hard months, his smile was infectious and will be missed by all.

Throughout his life, Dennis was an avid bowler, spending countless hours bowling with Toby and their friends and family on many different leagues. He and Toby also enjoyed a good game of cards with family and friends over the years. In his later years, he became a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan and loved watching the game and yelling at the tv loud enough that the neighbors could probably hear him! Over the years, Dennis used his talents to take hundreds of wedding and graduation photos. He sang at many weddings and funerals and family will fondly remember the phone call each year on their birthday in which he would lovingly sing happy birthday. Dennis was passionate about celebrating cancer survivors as well as cancer victims by being a very active part of the Relay for Life for West Polk County and serving on the planning committee for several years. He was a longtime member of the Cathedral Church where he shared his belief and love of Christ by working many weekends with Teens Encounter Christ (TEC).

Dennis was an incredibly kind and simple man, demonstrating that in every aspect of his life. He didn't need expensive fancy things and was content with what he had. He was loving and accepting of everyone he encountered in his life. Dennis had a calming effect on those around him and had an uncanny ability to know when to give advice and when to just sit quietly and listen. He was thankful for everything in his life, even during hard times. Nothing could ever compare to the love and pride he had for his grandchildren. He was their #1 fan in everything they did and spent many hours traveling and sitting in the stands for their activities. He became known as Grandpa Dennis to many other kids as well as their families. He was their personal photographer and loudest cheerleader, sometimes even yelling things he shouldn't! He was affectionately known as their "taxi" driver before they were old enough to drive themselves and would drop anything he was doing to give them rides or bring them something they needed or just wanted. Those moments spent with them will forever be the highlights in his life.

Everything about Dennis will be deeply missed by his family, especially the way he loved them, was always willing to help, and would do anything for anyone, even a stranger; he just had that kind of heart. Dennis's family takes comfort in knowing his body has been healed, no longer suffering pain, and he has been reunited with Toby where they will proudly watch over their children and grandchildren together. He leaves behind many memories and love for his family, and they will carry his spirit with them for now until he meets them at the gates.

Dennis is survived by his Children, Troy (Amy Hovey) Magsam and Tracey (Justin) Knutson, all of Crookston; Grandchildren, Hunter (Jenna Seaver) Knutson, Skyla (Brady Brott) Magsam, Carley (Zach Delage) Knutson, and Teagan Hovey; Brothers, Dave Magsam, Duane (Joyce) Magsam, Stuart (Debbie) Magsam; and Brother-in-laws and Sister-in-laws, Judy Magsam, Elsie Magsam, Mikal Bye, Chuck (Sue) Bye, Carol Ann (Jim) Futch, Darrell (Val) Bye, Rick (Carol) Bye, Jan (Jeff) Gustafson, and Bill (Tracy) Bye; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sylvia "Toby" Magsam; Parents, Merle and Marie Magsam; Brothers and Sisters, Barbara Wiltse, Beatrice Kramer, Carol Porter, Alice Halverson, George Magsam, and Arlene Magsam; Parents-in-law, Howard and Helen Bye; Brothers-in-law, Luther Wiltse, Curt Kramer, Dennis Porter, Elmer Halverson, Robert "Skip" Bye and Ronnie Bye.

There will be a visitation at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Friday, May 2, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM. The prayer service and time for sharing of memories will be at 8:00 PM. The Memorial Mass honoring Dennis's life will be at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, in Crookston, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Services will be livestreamed, the link to which can be found by going to www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries and following the prompts to Dennis's page.