Steven D. Denny

Steven Donald Denny, 62, of Harris, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on March 27, 2025. A devoted husband, proud father, beloved grandfather, and loyal friend, Steve lived with quiet strength, steady hands, and an open heart. He was a man who believed in showing up, doing the work, and loving deeply.

Born in Wadena, MN to Donald and Iris Denny, Steve was raised on a farm near Sebeka, where he learned the values of hard work and self-reliance. After graduating from Sebeka High School in 1981, he spent many years as a truck driver, eventually hauling steel for Viking Materials. In 1995, Steve married Shari Mattick, and together they built a home and a business—S Denny Trucking—on their farm in Harris, where they raised five children and countless animals.

Steve was a man of contrasts—rugged and warm, quiet but always present. He was a cowboy at heart, often found on the back of his favorite horse Scout or accompanied by his faithful dog Pete. He had a special softness with kids, often dressing up as Santa or giving buggy rides in the snow. His grandchildren, Oliver and Fiona, remember time spent riding horses, working on 10,000-piece puzzles, and adventuring on four-wheelers. When Fiona broke her arm, it was Steve who immediately recognized the urgency and made sure help was there.

Some of Steve’s fondest memories were riding horses with his father and camping under the stars in Huntersville—an experience that stayed with him throughout his life and became a family tradition he passed down with pride.

He didn’t talk much, but his actions spoke clearly: he was dependable, generous with his time, and always willing to teach others what he knew. He had a deep sense of loyalty and pride, and he believed in doing things right—not for recognition, but because it mattered.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shari Denny; children Brandi Severs, Josh Denny, Luke (Samantha) Denny, Jaron Roberts, and Jesse (ChaVonne) Lambert; and grandchildren Oliver and Fiona. He is also remembered by many extended family and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Anne Olson, MD, and Katie at Allina Clinics in Cambridge, MN, for their care and support.

As Steve’s favorite poet Baxter Black once wrote,
“I know you’ll miss this man.” And we surely do.

Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Steve’s name.

Funeral Services 11AM, Friday, April 4, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch.  Visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment in the church cemetery.

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