Dennis "Denny" Patrick Roy, a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away at home on March 23, 2024. He was 74. Denny was born in Grand Rapids in 1949, the youngest of Hubert and Florestine Roy's eight children. While attending primary school at St. Joe's Catholic Church, Denny collected the nickname "Grunt". At Grand Rapids High School, he was active in sports and was named captain of the hockey team in his senior year. He graduated high school in 1968 and married his favorite classmate, Wendy Wilson, on August 2, 1969.

After high school, Denny attended Itasca Junior College for two years before transferring to the University of Minnesota, where he graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He returned to Grand Rapids, where he worked for Prudential Insurance until 1985, when he moved on to work for BlueCross BlueShield as a Marketing Executive. Denny retired from BCBS in 2008.

Among the many recreational activities he enjoyed with friends and family, his favorites were fishing, hunting, and golfing. His favorite place to spend time was at the Taylor Lake camp where he was a member for 37 years. He shared this special place with many guests, and all his children and grandchildren have enjoyed time with him at camp.

Denny was incredibly generous with his time in the community. He recently finished his third three-year term on the Grand Itasca Hospital Board of Directors. During a 20-year tenure at the Grand Rapids Fire Department, he spent 10 as an officer. Denny was a member of the Star of the North Lions Club, including terms as President and all other chairs. In addition, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 50 years and a former member of the Optimists Club and the Jaycees. He received the Minnesota Power Distinguished Service Award for his community involvement.

Denny was a man of strong faith and throughout his life dedicated time to St. Joe's Catholic Church in a variety of ways: from altar boy to adoration volunteer to fundraising. He will be remembered for his love of Wendy and the family they raised together. As well as for having a kind, generous, and passionate spirit.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents; three of his brothers, James Roy, Robert Roy, and Gerald Roy; and his granddaughter, Gabrielle Roy. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, of 54 years; son, Ben (Maureen) Roy; daughters, Becky (Scott) Lien and Rachel (Matt) Christy; his brothers, Henry Roy, Larry Roy, and Tom Roy; sister, Nancy (Jim) Arnhold; sister-in-law, Peggy Roy; six grandchildren, Gaetan (Rachael) Roy, Nicolette Roy, Sander Lien, Jace Christy, Beau Christy, and Max Christy; one great-granddaughter, Aloy Roy; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, beginning at 9:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 AM at church.  Fr. Blake Rozier and Fr. Jerry Weiss will concelebrate.   A private Burial will be in Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. Joseph's School Endowment or St. Croix Hospice.