Dennis Charles Flynn

Dennis C. "Denny" Flynn, 54, devoted family man and dedicated educator and coach in Devils Lake, died on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Dennis will be held on Monday, March 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sports Center, Devils Lake, ND. Fr. C.F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass with burial to take place at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday, March 25, 2007, also at the church from 1:30p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 2:30 p.m. Serving as Casket Bearers for Denny will be Teresa Tande Darling, Jay Schneider, Rick Ginther, Pat McNally, Bob Gibson, Ted Dorval, Dennis Broderick, Paul Garnass, Kevin Baumgarn and Derrick Dixon. Honorary Bearers will be Brent Miller and the JV and Varsity Wrestling Team; the CMS Teaching Team Members, Teresa Tande Darling, Jason Wandler, Arlen Anderson, Sue Lovgren, Duane Strand and Dave Magnuson and Kermit Thompson; the staff of CMS and Devils Lake High School; all of Denny's former and present students, athletes and colleagues of the past 32 years from Bishop Ryan High School, Center Public School and the Devils Lake School System; his Prime Time students since 1997, his fellow coaches and referees who respected him as well as he respected them; and his Godchildren Erica Trost, Andrea Huntley, Aaron Flynn, Lindsey Wanzek,and Cassadie Ell; special family friends Karen, Paul, Sean, Erin, and Blair Clementich; and the many family, friends, and neighbors who have touched his life. Reading the Scriptures will be Pat Flynn and Erica Trost; gift bearers will be Mike, JoJo, and Aaron Flynn. Music for the Scripture Service will be soloist Donovan Foughty and organist Lynda Pearson. Music for the Funeral Mass will be provided by Patty Cote and Lynn Webster. Dennis Charles Flynn was born in Moorhead, Minnesota on August 16, 1952, the son of Charles M. and Dorothy (Wanzek) Flynn. His elementary and junior high years were at St. Joseph's Grade School in Moorhead. He then attended Shanley High School, Fargo, where he was involved not only in the choir, but was also a state qualifier member of a winning wrestling team and a valuable player of winning football team. Under the coaching of Sid Cichy, the Shanley team had a remarkable 67 game winning streak. After graduating from Shanley in 1970, Denny attended Wahpeton State School of Science for two years, playing for its NDAC (North Dakota Athletic Conference) champion football team before transferring to Valley City State College. where Denny once more played for an NDAC champion football team. It was at Valley City State where Denny received the degree for what would be his life long passion: teaching, whether in a classroom on a field, or around a mat. In 1975 he began his career at Bishop Ryan High School, teaching economics and government and coaching football and wrestling. It was during his twelve years in Minot that he met and married the love of his life, Bette Gilderhus, and where their two children, Mackenzie and Brendon were born. From the beginning of their married life together, June 3, 1978, Bette knew their days would be shared with young people. In their more than three decades together, Denny and Bette offered many students and athletes who crossed Denny's path the encouragement or support each needed to become stronger in dark times, gain confidence in doubtful times, and seek excellence in tough times. A special gift of Denny's was to give every child a place to belong, whether on a team, in a classroom, or especially in his CMS Prime Time. From his 12 years at Bishop Ryan, his two years at Center, and his 18 years at Devils Lake, Denny continued to push students and athletes to truly be all they could be. The sports’ records of the football and wrestling teams Dennis coached, the verbal comments of the students he taught, and the long-held connections he had with both testify to his career-long belief and practice of his philosophy. Ever a man of integrity, Denny coached the mantra, “Never embarrass your opponent.” He pushed himself to be the best he could be, too. Even after 31 years of coaching, he recently attended a national football coaching clinic in Minneapolis just to keep being his best. He was truly one of those dedicated teachers to whom the education of the students and the advancement of athletic achievement were balanced in his life. As the head wrestling coach at Devils Lake High School for 18 years, Denny was named the Regional Coach of the Year Twice and served as the President of the Class "A" Wrestling Coaches for five years. His teams finished six times in the top ten at state; individually, he coached 55 state placers and 10 state champs. Special highlights for Denny were coaching his son Brendon to two state titles and having his daughter Kenzie as the team’s stat person. Dennis also enjoyed teaching the 9th grade football team and being assistant varsity football coach. Both of these coaching positions, as well as his teaching Driver's Ed in the summer, allowed him once again to work with many students whom he had taught in 8th grade. Since 1989, when Denny and his family moved to Devils Lake, they have been an integral part of the school system and community. For the past 18 years, Denny has taught Social Studies at Central Middle School, adding middle school certification to his secondary degree. In his 18 years with DLPS, he was chosen to attend the following: a highly-proclaimed National Middle School Conference, an exclusive conference on teaching Native American youth, and this past summer, a prestigious national conference, We, the People, focusing on the U.S. Constitution. For six years he was a member of four National Humanities' Groups that met bi-monthly to deepen historical and literary knowledge ( of Plains Life, Native Americans, American Literature and History, and the four main cultures of North Dakota: Chippewa, Sioux, Norwegians, and Germans from Russia. ) Denny was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and he and Bette together taught CCD for several years, once more impacting the lives of so many young people. He was an outspoken advocate for youth programs, pointing out that if you start them on the right path as youngsters, you will be building a stronger team for the future. But as busy as Denny's life could be, he never missed any of the activities of his own children, Mackenzie and Brendon. He felt such pride and joy in his children. Coaching his son in wrestling and his daughter in softball were very special times in his life as a father. The past few years, Dennis (and Bette) has been instrumental in raising his grandson Aidan. He was so proud of Aidan, and loved the role of being "Grampa". That pride spilled over into his teaching, and more than once, current students have shared, "Aidan stories" were told. Anyone who saw Aidan and Denny together, whether Aidan was in football "uniforms" or full wrestling "gear" would comment, "Denny is the best grandfather ever!" Dennis had many hobbies and pastimes, and as an avid outdoorsman he loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, gardening (especially flowers) and definitely knew his way around the kitchen as a cook. He enjoyed music and took such great pride in the beautiful singing voice of his daughter and the many awards she won with her musical talent—a talent Denny commented was passed on to Aidan. He also read an interesting array of non-fiction books related to history, society, faith, coaching, and teaching and of course, every morning, a book to Aidan. Each and every day, Denny lived his faith, loved his family, and modeled his commitment to excellence in education. As family, we knew that every student, every team member, every fellow teacher and coach held a special place in Denny's heart and we have come to know that he touched many lives in unexpected ways. Denny will be forever loved and forever missed. May he rest now in God's peace. Denny is survived by his loving wife, Bette Children: Mackenzie (Irakli) of New York, New York and Brendon of Valley City, ND. Grandson: Aidan Flynn Mother: Dorothy Flynn, Moorhead, Minnesota Brothers and Sisters: Jack (Deb) Flynn, Minneapolis, Mike (JoJo) Flynn, West Fargo, Louie (Debbie) Flynn, Berwick,Pennsylvania, Pat (Marlene) Flynn, Burnsville, MN Nancy (Loren) Johnson, Mosinee,Wisconsin, Danny (Lisa) Flynn, Moorhead Teresa (Jeff) LaPage, Detroit, Michigan,Colleen (Nels) Odney, Moorhead Cheryl (Gast) Flynn, West Fargo Mother-In-Law: Clara Gilderhus, Minot Sister-In-Law: Debby (Bob) Nyby, Grand Junction, Colorado Brother-In-Law: David (Faye) Gilderhus, Humboldt, South Dakota Twenty Nieces and Nephews; two great nieces and one great-nephew; 3 step-nieces and 1 step great-nephew. Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles and father-in-law, Norris Gilderhus. Friends may sign the online register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com