Watch Dennis' Funeral Service

Dennis Bueng, age 89, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 25, 2026, under the loving care of his family and HIA Hospice.

Dennis Armand Bueng was born on June 4, 1936, in Twin Valley, to George and Anna (Olson) Bueng. He attended school in Twin Valley before serving his country in the United States Army. Dennis proudly served during a unique period in military history, spending much of his enlistment stationed at nuclear testing sites, including Camp Desert Rock in Nevada and Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands. His duties placed him in support of atomic testing operations during the Cold War era, an experience that shaped his strong sense of patriotism and resilience. Dennis later completed his service while stationed in Spokane, WA, before returning home to Twin Valley following his honorable discharge on November 23, 1958. On May 27, 1960, Dennis was united in marriage to Frances Skauge. Together they were blessed with five children and built a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. In 1959, Dennis began working for Meinecke-Johnson Construction. The family moved to Morris, MN, in 1969, when Dennis accepted the position of Construction Supervisor for the University of Minnesota Morris Sports Complex project. They made their home in Morris for a time before returning to Twin Valley in 1970, where Dennis continued his supervisory career with Meinecke-Johnson Construction. Over the years, he helped oversee many notable projects, including Dakota Hospital, the Ramada Hotel, West Acres Mall, UND Aerospace buildings, and finally the Red Hawks Baseball Stadium, which was his last project in 1996. Although partially retired, he continued helping during summer months, officially retiring fulltime in 1998, after 39 ½ years with the company. While working full time in construction, Dennis and Fran also owned and operated the Horseshoe Tavern in Twin Valley from 1982 until 1996. Dennis was known for his incredible work ethic and rarely sat idle. On evenings and weekends, he lovingly built several homes for his family, taking great pride in creating places where memories would be made.

When he was not working, Dennis could most often be found with his horses or tending to one of his many collections. He had a deep appreciation for horse sleighs, buggies, and antique equipment, always searching for another treasure to restore. Auctions quickly became one of his favorite pastimes, not only for the collectibles, but for the friendships and conversations that came along with them. He also enjoyed collecting anything horse related and classic cars, especially his prized special edition 1963 Thunderbird. Dennis shared his passions with others in local parades, car shows, and during the Christmas season, offering Santa sleigh rides. Throughout the 1980's, he was an active member of the Twin Valley riders club and often hosted their meetings in the basement of the Horseshoe Tavern.  Dennis also loved spending time outdoors, working in the yard, polishing and repairing his collectibles, and sharing stories with anyone willing to visit awhile. Above all else, Dennis was proud of his family. He cherished being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and treasured every moment spent with those he loved most.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Fran of Twin Valley; one daughter, Kerri (Matt) Longtine of Twin Valley; four sons: Mike of Twin Valley, Randy of Twin Valley, Jody (Christine) of Ada, MN, and Kelly of Elk River, MN; nine grandchildren: Korey, Kaylie, McKenzie, Tyler, Tate, Brooke, Blake, Joseph, and Ashlan; 17 great grandchildren; two brothers, Harlan and Bruce; one sister, Clarissa "Dolly" (Terry) Meyer; and several in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Brandon; one great grandson, Rhett; siblings: Garfield, Marlys, Curtis, Clarice, Arnold "Bud", George Jr., and Parnell; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 7:00pm, at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley.  Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 2:00pm, with visitation continuing one hour prior, at Zion Lutheran Church. Military Honors will be held at the church, with inurnment taking place at a later date.