Dennis Dorner, 76, New England, died on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo. There was a Mass of Christian Burial for Dennis at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England with Fr. Dennis Schafer as celebrant. Interment took place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New England. Visitation was on Monday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Victor Dvorak presiding. Visitation continued on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dennis Dorner was born on February 16, 1948 to Matt and Wilma (Schiff) Dorner.  He grew up on a farm northeast of New England and attended grade school in the country school house a mile away.  He graduated high school from St. Mary’s in New England.  From there he went to NDSSS in Wahpeton and received his degree in TV and Radio Repair.  While there he met the love of his life, Cecelia “Tena” Hornick, and they were wed on November 28, 1970. 

He served six years in the US Navy and was stationed on the USS Will Rogers. After being honorably discharged, Dennis worked for the power plant in Becker, MN for 30 years. There, Dennis and Cecelia raised two children, Lisa and Jason, and taught them the simplicity of life, from raising flowers and vegetables in the garden to caring for baby animals of all species. 

They retired to the prairies of southwest North Dakota where they continued to expand on their passion in life. Dennis enjoyed fishing trips with his brothers, woodworking in his shop, taking care of his animals, and planting a beautiful flower and vegetable garden. 

Family was very important to him and they were blessed with eight grandchildren to love, teach, and watch grow.  Birthdays and holidays were spent sharing stories from the past, and loving the present moment, for peace of the future.  Many memories were made from the love and kindness he shared.  He was a man of his word who helped whenever he could, not wanting any of the credits for his good works. He will be missed by many. Memories will be cherished by all who loved him. 

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Wilma; brothers, Terry, Timothy, and Donald; infant sister, Mary; and granddaughter, April Ann Dorner.

He is survived by his wife, Tena, New England; daughter, Lisa (Doug) Miner and their five children, Becker, MN; his son, Jason (Lea) Dorner and their three children, New England, his siblings, Juanita Dorner, Dickinson, Jon (Diane) Dorner, Grand Forks, Doyle (Teresa) Dorner, Evanston, WY, Ruth (Steve) Maershbecker, Hebron, Trevor (DeeAnn) Dorner, Bozeman, MT, Michael (Salena) Dorner, Evanston, WY; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements are with Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, www.ladburyfuneralservice.com.