Dennis R Boldt

Dennis R Boldt passed away May 15.   He was 101 years old.  Dennis was married to Juanita for over 70 years and raised 7 children.  

He retired from the Mankato Independent School District in 1990.  After he retired, he opened a locksmithing business, keeping very busy in spite of being retired.  He and Juanita enjoyed traveling throughout Minnesota and other states visiting their children and grandchildren.   He was very involved with his church and his Christian faith was always his top priority.   If you happened to be walking or driving on Blue Earth Street in Mankato, there was a good chance you would have seen both of them sitting in their porch, waving to everyone.  

Dennis was drafted into the Army at age 18 and was part of the D-Day invasion on Utah beach.   He participated in 5 major campaigns…Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Battle of the Bulge.  

At the age of 99 Dennis was given the incredible opportunity to go to Europe two times, thanks to the group “Walk Among Hero’s.”  On June 6, 2024 , he attended the 80th anniversary of D-Day and shook hands with many world leaders and dignitaries.  On December 14 2024, he went to Bastonge Belgium to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.  He stood on a balcony with the King and Queen of Belgium and threw walnuts into the huge crowds below.   

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Nic and Marie Boldt, brothers Leo, Leslie and Royal, his wife Juanita and two grandchildren Rachel Johnson and Byron Tedesco.  He is survived by his sister Marlene Raiche, and his 7 children.  Gerald (Louise) Boldt, Patricia (Arne) Martinson, Constance (Jody) Tedesco, Stephen (Jennifer) Boldt, Christine (Michael) Kreitzer, Carolyn (Douglas) Johnson and Jason (Ann) Boldt.  16 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.  

The memorial service will be held at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church, North Mankato, June 12th.  Greeting and gathering at 9am and the service at 11am.