Dennis Paintner

   Noel Dennis Paintner, 86, West Fargo, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in his home.

   Dennis was born November 4, 1938 in rural Cooperstown, ND to Clarence and Ethel (Michaelis) Paintner.  He attended rural school and at a young age began working on the family farm, mostly alongside his mother since his father had poor health.   As a teenager he also worked for his uncles and neighbors since he was known to be a top notch hired man.

   In March of 1956 Dennis enlisted in the US Army.  He was quickly named squad leader due to him being the best shot with a rifle.  After his Honorable Discharge he returned to Cooperstown.

   Dennis was married to JoAnn Cosley on June 5, 1960 in Pembina, ND.  They made their home in Cooperstown where they raised their children.  He worked hauling freight and was part owner in Valley Truck Line for a time.   In 1968 he bought Cooper Dray which included the garbage business, demolition and excavation, and snow removal.  He tore down and helped build many buildings over the years and so had a keen memory of the community. 

   In 1997, Dennis and JoAnn moved to Fargo.  Dennis started driving truck in the local area with Royal Logistics.  He enjoyed working and prided himself on being the first to arrive early in the morning.  They spent 37 years camping in Detroit Lakes and cherished the memories made with lake friends. 

   After JoAnn’s death in 2019, Dennis was known to make daily treks in his red Ford pickup stopping by his favorite businesses and visiting with the workers.  He attended church weekly and rarely missed Sunday brunch with his church friends.  Dennis was generous in nature and being social brought him much joy.  The people he interacted with each day kept him active until his final hours.  To those people, we his family are grateful.

   Dennis is survived by his 4 children: Todd (Lisa) Paintner, Greg (Joan) Paintner, Lori (Scott) Hare, Kari (Kerry) Smith; grandchildren: Brandi Kallenbach, Amy Peterson, Blaine Hare, Christopher Hare, Cayden Hare and Megan Flatt; great grandchildren: Laiken and Paxton Kallenbach and Kysen Hare; sister Nadine Villella; sister & brother-in-law Sharryn & Doug Finney, and sisters-in-law Shirley Cosley and Peggy Cosley.

   He was preceded in death by JoAnn, his wife of 59 years, his parents, sister Dianna Weber and nephew Steven Villella.

   Memorial Service: Monday, December 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in Faith † Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Interment at a Later Date: Cooperstown Cemetery, Cooperstown, ND.

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