Dennis was born on September 6, 1939, to Larry and Eleanor (Dyrdahl) Kolnes in Hendrum, MN. He grew up there and graduated from Hendrum High School in 1957. Dennis joined the United States Army following his graduation.
While enlisted in the Army, Dennis was united in marriage on August 29, 1959, to his loving wife, Harriet Gilbertson, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. After Dennis' military career, they made their home in Hendrum. They were blessed with one daughter, Lisa (Kolnes) Shorey. Dennis worked as a bricklayer for many commercial projects in the Minnesota and North Dakota region, working in the Fargo-Moorhead area mostly. He retired at the age of 62. He and Harriet spent their retirement years enjoying the yard, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fishing and just being together with family and friends. Harriet died on October 14, 2011.
Whitey was a fun loving and hard working man. He treasured his family, especially the times they spent together at parties, fishing, and driving in the country. Dennis will be missed by all.
Dennis is survived by one daughter, Lisa (Allan) Shorey, Devils Lake, ND, two grandsons, Troy Shorey and a special friend, Cody, of Hendrum, MN, and Mark (Anna) Shorey, Devils Lake, ND, three great grandchildren, Collin, Tate, and Cameron, two brothers-in-law, DuWayne (Cheryl) Gilbertson, Dilworth, MN and Larry (Sandi) Gilbertson, Altus, OK; sister-in-law, Diane (Oscar) Green, Ulen, MN; one aunt, Mildred Kolness, Halstad, MN, several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Harriet in 2011, three brothers, Dewey Kolnes, Ronnie Kolnes and infant Dickey Kolnes.


Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hendrum, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service.