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   Dennis D. Madden, age 82, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Bemidji, Minnesota.  

   Dennis Desmet Madden was born December 9, 1940, in Chisholm, Minnesota, the son of Marvin Patrick and Angela Ernestine (Desmet) Madden.  Denny grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School. In 1958, Dennis moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota where he began working for Minnesota Power Company for 17 years.  Shortly after moving to Grand Rapids, Denny met Anita Jewett in a men’s clothing store as a clerk, and she assisted him in purchasing a new pair of trousers (by measuring his inseam). They began dating. On October 7, 1961 Dennis was united in marriage to Anita Faye Jewett.  In 1969, Dennis and Anita purchased the West Hotel that housed the Dutch Room – 3.2 bar adjacent to Blandin Paper Company.  They operated the hotel and bar until this property was purchased by Blandin. In 1974, construction began on their new business location and in 1975 The Dutch Room & Mad Dog’s Pizza was open for business. Denny and Anita continued to operate their business, retiring in 2015 when their granddaughter, Brandi and her husband, Gabriel Miskovich purchased this family business. 

   Dennis was always an “easy going guy” and seemed to know everyone. He loved to hunt and fish and especially enjoyed the process of planning and participating in the annual Canadian Fishing Trips with his family and close friends. After retirement, Dennis and Anita made their home at their log cabin on Leech Lake. Together, they have enjoyed living in this beautiful place and sharing their time with their children and grandchildren at Leech Lake.   

   Dennis will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years, Anita; four children, Dennis J. Madden, Lisa (Philip) Johnson, Gail (Alan) Gustafson and James (Harmony) Madden; former daughter-in-law, Tina Madden; grandchildren, Brandi (Gabriel) Miskovich, Derek (Hannah) Madden, Breann Madden (Casey Hynek), Trenton (Mary) Erlenbush, Halle Madden (Alex Portner), Craig Johnson (Toni Berns), Danielle Gustafson, Stacey (Chris) Reek, Kristine Gustafson, Jacob Madden, and Faith Madden, Geordan Delich and Marijah Delich; great grandchildren, Joseph, Alexander, Owen, Ari, Tia, Wade, Charlotte, Drake, and Sawyer; two brothers, Patrick (Mary) Madden and Michael Madden; one niece, Marie Moler and many friends and acquaintances.  

   Denny is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Angela.  

   A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids with a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the memorial service. Immediately following, everyone is invited to meet at the Dutch Room.

   Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

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