Dennis O. Natvig

COTTAGE GROVE - Dennis Odell Natvig, 85, of Cottage Grove, Wis., died with certainty in his eternal life on Monday, April 3, 2023. Dennis was born on June 4, 1937, in Chester, Iowa, the first of three sons born to Odell and Arlene (Ellingson) Natvig. He was baptized and confirmed at Saude Lutheran Church in Lawler, Iowa, and graduated from Saude Lutheran School, Cresco High School, Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn., and University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

While at Bethany, Dennis met the love of his life, Naomi Tweit. They were married on Aug. 29, 1959, at Saude Lutheran Church and blessed with three sons. Dennis was honored to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis in 1961 and afterward he and Naomi lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In 1964, they moved to Mankato when Dennis accepted a position as Business Manager at Bethany Lutheran College. For the next 31 years, he and Naomi enjoyed wonderful times with dear friends, co-workers and fellow members of civic organizations and Mount Olive Lutheran Church.  

In 1995, Dennis and Naomi retired and permanently moved to Pine River, Minn., and their beloved Hay Lake, where they had spent priceless times with family since the 1960s. They joined Christ Lutheran Church in Baxter and made many new friends. In 2011, they moved to Cottage Grove, Wis., to be closer to family. They enlarged their circle of friends yet again, this time at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison and Glenwood Senior Living in Cottage Grove.

Dennis was a kind-hearted, funny, patient man who was devoted to his Lord and Savior, his wife and his children. When Naomi was battling cancer, he unselfishly cared for her for more than 5 years until her passing in 2012. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, regularly saying the Norwegian Table Prayer before meals and eagerly anticipating the arrival of lutefisk and lefse at Christmas.

Dennis is survived by three sons, Craig (Sheila) Natvig of Stevenson, Wash., Jon (Cindy) Natvig of Cottage Grove, Wis., and Scott (Carla) Natvig of Los Angeles, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Evan, Clay (Shayna), Andrew, Aaron, Cody Natvig, Emily (Tyson) Mirka and Blayne Saucier; two step-grandchildren, John (Katie) and Brad (Liz) Doerr; one great-grandson, Archer Natvig; two brothers, Allan (Deb Yankey) Natvig of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Roland (Mary) Natvig of Deer River, Minn.; and many dear nieces and nephews and sisters- and brothers-in-law.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Susan Natvig; and his wife, Naomi. Blessed be his memory!    

Special thanks to Marge Rutta, for her companionship and countless delicious meals she and Dennis enjoyed together; to Agrace Hospice RN Case Managers Jenny and Melissa and CNA Brenda for their excellent care and compassion; and Pastors Bernt Tweit and Mark Bartels for their spiritual support and guidance. You each played a part in Dennis being able to keep his independence and for that we will be forever grateful.  

A memorial service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, Wis., at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023, with the Rev. Mark Bartels officiating. A second memorial service will be held at Saude Lutheran Church, 2949 Steven Trail, Lawler, Iowa, at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, with the Rev. Bernt Tweit officiating, and will be preceded by a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Saude Cemetery Fund (2940 Stevens Trail, Lawler, IA 52154) or Bethany Lutheran College (700 Luther Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 or www.blc.edu/donate). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420