Dennis M. Banick

Dennis M. Banick, 70 year old resident of Belle Prairie Township passed away August 19, 2014 at his home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at Living Hope Assembly of God Church in Little Falls, MN with Rev. Sam Muhlbauer officiating. Burial will take place in Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Friday at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN and from 9-10 A.M. on Saturday at Living Hope Church. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Dennis was born to Stanley and Lorraine (Donek) Banick in Harding, MN, on November 8, 1943. He was united in marriage to Kathleen (Barker) Banick, June 13, 1970 at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN. Dennis attended country school, and later elementary school, in Harding, graduating from Father Pierz Memorial High School in 1961. He went on to graduate from St. Cloud Technical School in 1963. He then worked as a mechanic in the Twin Cities, returning to school at St. Cloud State College and graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He taught at Litchfield High School his first year, followed by 28 years at Little Falls High School as the auto mechanics instructor. Dennis retired in 1999 and continued farming and enjoying additional time for hobbies. His many pastimes included reading; keeping up with national and local news; growing German tomatoes from seeds he harvested each year; raising chickens and eggs; going fishing; cooking things with tomatoes, chicken, eggs, or fish (and cleaning up afterwards); playing harmonica for his granddaughter; sitting around the fire pit on the patio; making annual trips to the Woodtick Theater in Akeley, MN; taking road trips; and constructing tin men in the winter months. Dennis was an all-around handyman who could fix anything. Although he was a very hard worker, he enjoyed visiting with family and friends and always made time to talk with his wife (and best friend) as well as his children, all of whom he loved spending time with. He felt very close to his 3 brothers and treated his in-laws as if they were his own parents and siblings. His Christian beliefs were important to him. Dennis’ caring spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerald. He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen Banick of Little Falls, MN; children, Lowell (fiancée Jessica) Banick of Little Falls, MN, Jolene Banick of Azusa, CA, and Keri (Rory) Abegg of Blaine, MN; granddaughter, Keira Abegg; brothers, Archie Banick of Brainerd, MN and Gary (Christine) Banick of Pierz, MN; sister-in-law, Bernice Banick of Harding, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

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Dennis M. Banick

November 8, 1943 - August 19, 2014