Denice Stueness, age 64, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at home under the loving care of her family after a stoic cancer diagnosis.
Denice Karen Andring was born on Dec. 9, 1959, in Madison, Minnesota, the third of four daughters, to Vernon and Ione (Anderson) Andring. Her early years were spent in Bellingham, Minnesota, where she was baptized in her faith. Just after the first grade, the Andring family moved to Twin Valley, where she would remain living and raise her own family. Her high school years were spent babysitting, working at the Marti Sky View Outdoor Movie Theater, and being a member of the girls’ basketball team.
After graduating from Twin Valley High School in 1978, Denice furthered her education at Moorhead Tech with a degree as a medical secretary. She worked at Nelson Chiropractic, where she dedicated over 30 years of service with unwavering commitment.
On Oct. 20, 1979, Denice was united in marriage to Kent Stueness at St. William Catholic Church in Twin Valley, and together they embarked on a life filled with love and family on the Stueness family farm south of town. Denice’s life was a beautiful balance of career and family. As she continued her role at the clinic, she devoted herself to raising their four children: Brandon, Dana, Janna, and Jordan. In the early 1990s, the family purchased a home in Twin Valley and moved off the farm. She was a busy mom and involved in various community groups. Following Denice’s retirement, she began providing daycare for family members and special friends.
Denice’s deep-rooted faith was reflected in her longtime involvement in St. William Catholic Church, where she received First Communion, was confirmed, married, and worshiped with her family. Denice was active on the parish council, taught Sunday School from her freshman year of high school until her youngest was confirmed and supported many church activities.
Her bonds with her sisters, nieces, nephews, and extended family were meaningful. Denice cherished traditions and continued her mother’s legacy onto the next generations. She understood the importance of family gatherings and was a steadfast supporter, present at countless family events. She made lefse with her sisters and enjoyed arts and crafts. Her creative spirit found expression in needlework, where she crafted special Christmas stockings for family and loved ones. She could fix most anything with her sewing machine and found pleasure in life’s simple things including fishing with Kent, watching classic movies including White Christmas and the Wizard of Oz, dining out, and savoring a refreshing can of Coke. Together with Kent and their family, Denice explored many corners of the world, from the serene landscapes of Hawaii and Alaska to the enchanting destinations of Disney World, Washington, DC, and Boston, and to foreign countries such as England, Scotland, France, and the Caribbean.
Above all, Denice’s greatest joy in life was becoming a grandma, a role she embraced with abounding love. Whether it was reading stories, playing games, or simply enjoying the presence of her grandchildren sitting on her lap or by her side, Denice made every moment special. She attended as many games, events, and concerts as she could, and when she could not physically be present, she called, or video chatted to find out how it went. Her home was a haven of warmth, always stocked with delicious treats like banana bread, rhubarb slush, Schwan treats, and salsa, which she joyfully shared with her family. Despite the challenges of her cancer diagnosis in September of 2023, Denice remained a source of love and strength for her family, creating lasting memories and enriching their lives with her presence.
Survived by husband of almost 45 years, Kent of Twin Valley; her children: Brandon of Chanhassen, Minnesota, Dana (Brian) Dingmann of Annandale, Janna (Mitch) Holland of Annandale, and Jordan (Emily) of Twin Valley; her grandchildren: Isabelle, Elias, Anneliese, Lillian, Lena, Evie, Liam, Brielle, Hailey, Chloe, and Nora; three sisters: Diane Andring of Hawley, Lynelle Nysetvold of Twin Valley, and Renae (Rick) Habedank of Twin Valley; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Vernon and Ione Andring; grandchildren: Alex and Taylor; and a brother-in-law, Joel Nysetvold.
A visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30, followed by a rosary, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at St. William Catholic Church in Twin Valley. Interment will be at St. William Catholic Cemetery in Twin Valley.
Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home of Twin Valley, www.andersonfamilyfh.com.