Dennis Cordes

Dennis Ralph Cordes of Houston, died Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield. Dennis was born March 27, 1944 in Winona to Willard and Myrtle (Doblar) Cordes. He grew up on the family farm on Vinegar Hill, where he attended country school through 6th grade. Dennis went on to graduate from Rushford High School in 1962. In school he excelled in football and academics, as well was being active in F.F.A., serving as president. Following high school he attended the University of Minnesota. In 1965, he was drafted into the Army and served in France and Germany during the Vietnam War.
After returning from the service, he spent several years managing the Redding Elevator and farmed beef and dairy cows with his brother, Claude, and then later with his brother-in-law, Clark. He enjoyed his many years on the Money Creek Haven wood route. His charismatic and competitive nature was fed with heated games of 500, Wist, and Cribbage and cheering on the bowling team he sponsored, "Denny's Dames." Dennis enjoyed farm life, fishing, and hunting. Above all his true loves included his family, the Green Bay Packers, and God. Dennis was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Rushford, having served in many offices over the years. He was also a member of the Rushford American Legion. In 2017, Dennis moved to Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, MN, where he continued to make new friends and participate in various activities like bible study, trivia, bingo and cards.
Survivors include his sister Mary Ellen Cords of Rushford, MN, nieces and nephews: Jared (Erin) Cords of Rushford, MN; Jennifer (John) Hatlevig of Prior Lake, MN; Channon Cordes (Paul) Cole of Rochester, MN; Margaret (Troy) Roe of Hayfield, MN; Amanda (Josh) Bedard of Houston, MN, and Billy Ray Cordes of Austin, MN, 16 great nieces and nephews, and his special friend, Maureen Hughes. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Claude and a brother-in-law Clark Cords.
Funeral services for Dennis will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Rushford, with the Reverend Hal Hintzman officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until time of services at the church on Saturday. Burial will follow in Money Creek Cemetery. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Rushford American Legion. Please share a memory of Dennis at his online questbook www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.