Dennis James “Denny” Schuneman, 80, St. Stephen

October 25, 1934 - July 19, 2015 

Dennis James “Denny” Schuneman, 80, of St. Stephen, Minnesota, passed away peacefully July, 19, 2015, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday July 25, 2015 at 11:30 am at St. Stephen Catholic Church in St Stephen, Reverend Robert Harren to officiate. Burial will be in Parish Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud.

Denny was born on October 25, 1934, in St. Stephen, Minnesota the son of August and Margaret (Omann) Schuneman. He was baptized, received the sacrament of first Holy Communion and was confirmed at St. Stephens Catholic Church where he remained a devoted and active parishioner his entire life. Denny was also a proud member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. As a young boy, Denny developed a passion for fishing and the Mississippi river. These traits stuck with him his entire life. Denny attended St. Stephen elementary through the 8th grade and was a member of the St Cloud Cathedral High School graduating class of 1952. After graduation he spent several years working the great lakes aboard the ore ship “Cliffs Victory”. In 1956 Denny married Mary Jane (Pietron). Together, on a spot overlooking the Mississippi, Denny and Mary Jane built their home and raised their 7 children.

Denny was a familiar face to many in the St. Cloud and surrounding rural areas. In 1957, he went to work as a delivery driver for the Pure Oil Company which, years later, became Consolidated Oil Co. In 1978, he was fortunate to join JM Oil Co. in St. Cloud where continued to service homes, business and farms in the area until his retirement in 1999. Denny also became a welcoming and familiar face as a summer-school bus driver for the Trobec’s Bus Company.

Through his entire life, Denny retained his love of fishing and his admiration and enjoyment of the Mississippi River. His passion was contagious as he passed the fishing “bug” to countless people over the years including his wife, kids and grandkids. He took great pleasure in sharing the beauty and serenity of the Mississippi with others via afternoon pontoon rides. Denny thoroughly enjoyed being around others, a good laugh, and a cold beer. Between his personality and his career, Denny seemed to know just about everyone.

Denny is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Schuneman of St. Stephen, his five daughters and two sons; Kathy Devries of Alvarado, Texas, Kim Werner, Peggy Asseln (Randy) and Jeff Schuneman all of St. Stephen, Lori (Brad) Determan of Minneapolis, Janet (Marc) Hauge of St. Cloud, and Tom (Yvonne) Schuneman of Corcoran; 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Clarence (Patty) Schuneman of St. Stephen and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Margaret; sisters, Vern Onderko, Sr. Mary Carol (OSF); brothers, Steve, Arnold and Kenny; and son-in-law, Pete Werner.

In lieu of flowers, Denny requested that Memorials be directed to the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls or Centracare Hospice.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the Centracare Hospice team and Denny’s personal caregivers: Theresa, Morgan, Hailey, Joyce and Deb for their tremendous compassion and care.