Dennis John Hazelton

DENNIS JOHN HAZELTON was born on February 6, 1960 to Francis and Marlys (Mitchell) Hazelton in Pipestone, Minnesota. He graduated from Jasper High School in 1979. While in high school, Dennis worked with Les Gehrels at Gehrels Nursery, which fueled his obsession with trees and landscaping. Also, while in high school he started working for Bayliner Marine where he remained until the last boat was loaded working a total of over 31 years. From that time, he enjoyed being a full time farmer, working at Powerlift Doors, and spending days working at the Pipestone Stockyards, where he would always chat with his fellow farmers. Dennis farmed with his father, and brother Dave his entire life. Dennis thoroughly enjoyed the farm and passed his love for cattle on to his children and grandchildren.

Dennis lived his life with passion and perfection. He took extra time in planning and executing every project with no less than a tape measure, square and level in hand, and, of course, a pliers on his belt. He took each role he held very seriously and was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and neighbor. Dennis had a knack for making people feel special and touched many lives with his zealous greeting and strong, genuine hugs. Dennis loved and was loved fiercely.

Dennis and Rita were married on September 25, 1993. They have three children who brought an immense amount of joy and pride. He was blessed with two grandchildren who have been his greatest delight.

Dennis started his battle with cancer in 2006. He fought without wavering to the very end. He had a strong desire to fulfill the goals he set, and a will to spend every day he could with his family. He and his family spent the past several years making many memories fishing, farming, and forming a bond that not even death can break.

Dennis passed away May 1, 2021, at his home in Pipestone, surrounded by his family and ever trusted pastor, at the age of 61 years, two months, and 25 days.

Dennis also known as Papa Den, the white haired man, Dad and many other terms of endearment is survived by his wife, Rita; children, Brad (Erica) Hazelton of Brandon, South Dakota, Eric Hazelton of Kasota, Minnesota, and Morgan (Dan Lundeen) of Brandon SD; those who called him “Papa” , Spencer and Kyree Hazelton of Brandon; parents, Francis and Marlys Hazelton of Pipestone; sister, Denise Hazelton-Caulfield of Watertown, South Dakota; brother, Dave (Janine) Hazelton of Pipestone; nieces and nephews, Kaitlin, Cordell, Landon, Conner, Matthew, Taylor, Shaun, Jade, Rachel, Shaylee, Krystal, Jacob; and many friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed and Elouise Mitchell and Guy and Edith Hazelton; uncles, Kenneth, Donald, Douglas Mitchell, and Rodney “Dick” Rosenbaum; and aunts, Nancy and Beverly Mitchell.