Dennis Richard Hjort

Dennis Richard Hjort of Milaca, age 67, (known to many as Denny or Ort), peacefully departed this life at home on Friday, June 21, 2019 after many ongoing health issues.  Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Milaca.  Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7pm at Zion Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. 

Dennis was born July 19, 1951 to Russell and Violet (Reiman) Hjort in Princeton, MN.  He was a lifelong resident of Milaca, growing up on a farm east of town with his 5 siblings. He graduated from Milaca High School in 1969 and completed his carpenter apprenticeship at Anoka Technical College.

He was united in marriage to Jacquelin (Jackie) Fransen on December 22, 1973. They purchased the old homestead of Mabel and Abe Frisk where he and Jackie raised their two children, Adam and Leah.

Dennis was employed as a carpenter, first for Norm T. Berglund Construction and later a construction superintendent and co-owner of Falls and Nyhusmoen Construction in Roseville, MN. Throughout the years he enjoyed playing on the men’s golf league and shooting on trap and sporting clays league with his son and grandson.  He enjoyed countless fishing and hunting adventures, some bringing success, but all bringing stories.  Dennis had a spark for antiques, collecting things, and an appreciation for classic cars and trucks.  Dennis enjoyed restoring a 1952 Pick Up truck with his son, Adam and grandson, Owen.  The grandchildren would often go through the many different sheds that held his collection pretending they were the American Pickers.

He will be remembered for his bear hugs, big laughs and unique phrases.  Dennis’s ability to socialize led to his abundant friendships which he treasured.  He was always one to play a joke and people enjoyed being with him.  His family was important to him and he was best buddies with his grandchildren who often could be found in the boat fishing with him, watching movies together or helping him tinker on something in his shop.  His grandkids enjoyed “grandpa-sitting” him after he retired.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; children, Adam and Erin, and Leah, all of Milaca; grandchildren, Owen, Macy, Violet, Hunter, Liza and Levi; siblings: Carl and Pat Hjort of Milaca, Shirley Kellicutt of Half Moon Bay, CA, twin sister Darlene and Ron Steinhofer of Sauk Rapids, MN, and Linda and Chris Tatarian of Troy, OH; Jackie’s family: Gene and Betty Fransen of Isle, MN, Wendy and Mike Gorham of Grand Rapids, MN, Laura and Brian Jergenson of Glenwood, MN, Curt Fransen of Houston, TX; many beloved nieces and nephews and long-time friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lawrence and his wife Donna and niece Deanna.