Dennis Ray Leifermann

My Final Ride

As my 80 year trail ride came to a halt on April 8, 2025, I tipped my hat and bid farewell to all my loved ones who survive me:  my wife of 59 years, Anita; son, Tom Leifermann of Bovey, MN; daughter, Tina Pennel of Omaha, NE; brother, Howard (Cindy) Leifermann of Baxter, MN; sisters, Erdyne Lahti of Findlay, OH, Donna Leifermann of Luverne, MN; brothers-in-law, Steve Hemmingsen of Englewood, FL and Niels (Jane) Hemmingsen of Sparks, NV; grandson, Scott (Jamie) Wilcox and great granddaughter, Lillian Wilcox of  Box Elder, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews.  I've had a great ride!

I first hit the trail in Madelia, MN on my birthday, March 2, 1945 as the middle child of 5 born to Frank and Elvira (Borth) Leifermann.

As I wound around down in southern Minnesota, I ran across the one room schoolhouse in Evan, MN where I was at the top of my 7th grade class – being the only student in that class!  Further along, I came across Sleepy Eye High School, where I graduated in 1963 and soon after served a 6-year stint with the National Guard.  Continuing on, I picked up my pardner and future wife, Anita Hemmingsen, at the roller rink in Morgan, MN and after riding double for 2 ½ years, we married on June 26, 1966.  Together, we raised two children.

A combination of my high school shop classes and my seven years of employment with Lampert Lumber Company sparked my interest in wood working/construction.  After several transfers in a 3-state area with Lamperts, our final move brought us to Grand Rapids in 1971 and it was here that I took a new fork on the trail and formed Pokegama Builders.  I soon took on a partner and together we did new construction, remodeling, custom cabinetry and Formica work.

I worked hard and played hard and enjoyed many years of hunting, fishing, and vacationing with both friends and family.  For about 20 years, I had great fun singing old country and gospel music and performing MC duties with various groups in the area.  I also enjoyed junking (recycling metal goods) and watching Gunsmoke reruns --- speaking of Gunsmoke, my brother-in-law once said I've had more lives than Matt Dillon.

As I continued on the trail, I caught up with those family members who have gone before me:  my parents; brother, Robert Leifermann; niece, Kristen Lahti; nephews, Steven Leifermann and Steven Hemmingsen II; and brother-in-law, Howard Lahti.

At my request, there will be no funeral but come to my light-hearted gathering and be prepared to share any thoughts or memories using the available open mic. This casual gathering of family and friends will be held from 3 PM to 5 PM on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN. Instead of flowers, please make a donation to National Kidney Foundation, 1970 Oakcrest Avenue –Suite 208, St. Paul, MN 55113 nkfmn@kidney.org .                                                                                             – Dennis Leifermann