Dennis Edwin Hunstad

Dennis Edwin Hunstad, 83, of St. James died August 17, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at First Lutheran Church in St. James with visitation from 12 pm until the time of the service. The clergy will be Pastor Joy Ekstedt. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James, MN. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Dennis was born January 15, 1940, to Elvin and Clara (Hovdet) Hunstad on the family farm in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Olaf Church in Odin. He attended grade school through 5th grade in Mountain Lake. The family moved to a farm in Odin in 1951, where he continued his education through 8th grade. He graduated from St. James High School in 1958. Dennis served in the United States Army from 1961 - 1963. On September 19, 1964, he married Katherine Sanchez in St. James. Together, they raised four children of their own along with three of Katherine's siblings: Margaret, Linda and Michael.

Dennis drove truck for his brother, Richard and retired from the Watonwan County Highway Department after many years of service. For many years Dennis drove bus for St. James Bus Service and also was custodian at First Lutheran Church in St. James. In his free time, Dennis enjoyed caring for his many horses and spending time with family and friends. He also sang for countless weddings and funerals in the area.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Daniel (Angie) of Zumbrota, David (Kenya) of Darwin and Kelly (Keith) Schulte of St. James; daughter-in-law, Susan Hunstad of St. James; grandchildren, Tyler (Chelsea), Kaitlyn (Nick), Ashley (Dylan), Alec, Allison, Kamden, and Kolby; great grandchildren, Braya, Paislee, Trey, Beckett, Crew, and one on the way; siblings, Richard (Melanie), Marlys (Ralph) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daron; and grandson, Trey.