Dennis William Imholte

Dennis William Imholte, age 76, passed away at Benedictine Community Living in Cold Spring, MN on May 3rd, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 8th at 11:00 AM at the Church of Saint Anthony in Watkins, MN. A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 AM. Interment will occur at the Church of Saint Anthony’s Cemetery in Watkins, MN.

Once upon a time, on August 21st, 1949, there was a man named Dennis William Imholte who was born and then hatched to Jerome and Rose Imholte, near Clear Lake, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm south of Watkins. He attended Catholic school at both St. Anthony’s in Watkins and in 1968 graduated from St. Boniface in Cold Spring. After graduation, he entered the Army. Less than a year later he was honorably discharged to return home and help on the farm. Although his time in the Army was short, his Veteran status was important throughout his lifetime.

Dennis met the love of his life Lois Arens while on a blind date. They got engaged at the Grasshopper Chapel in September 1972, and the two were married 11 months later, on August 11, 1973, at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fulda, MN. Dennis and Lois lived south of Watkins, first in a rambler that they built, and then on the Imholte family farm. They welcomed five children: Cindy, John, Steven, Michael, and Dale. Dennis farmed acreage with his John Deere tractors and milked Holsteins cows until the early 90’s. He then spent a few years working as an EMT-I until a back injury forced him into retirement. In 1995, Dennis and Lois purchased their home in Eden Valley. Dennis spent the next 30 years making this property his own, with an overabundance of seasonal decorations, on-going projects, and every bit of scrap wood that the local cabinet shop ever set out in their dumpster. He loved all his possessions and took pride especially his 1992 Ford F-150 truck with his “I am DWI” license plate and his 1986 Honda Goldwing motorcycle.

Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, and doing anything outdoors. He brought a childlike wonder into everyday life. Although he was seventy-six, he never let anyone know his actual age and always said he was seventeen. He was an avid collector. He enjoyed Westerns, horses, Roy Rogers, and listening to Elvis’s music. He enjoyed making projects for and spending time with his grandchildren, pestering his wife who he always called Dear, and spent many hours puzzling with his best friend and brother-in-law, Steve Kozitza.

Dennis spent his final days surrounded by family and friends.

Dennis is survived by his children, Cindy (James) Solvie of Morris; John (Rhonda) Imholte of Paynesville; Steven (Kristi) Imholte of St. Martin; and Dale (Valerie) Imholte of Eden Valley; and his 13 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Lois Imholte, his parents Jerome and Rose Imholte; son Michael Imholte; and grandsons Benjamin Solvie and Thomas Imholte.