Denny Triplett

E. Denny Triplett, 73, a great Man, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend was born on June 6, 1942 in St. Paul, and passed away on May 17, 2016 surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with cancer. As a child growing up in Newport, MN, Denny and his pals played along the banks of the Mississippi River, often playing Cowboys and Indians. The Lone Ranger and his loyal sidekick Tonto, Roy Rogers, and, Hop-a-Long Cassidy were his childhood TV heroes...he knew that for sure. But what Denny DIDN'T know, is that many years later, as an adult and Father, he was the hero for his 4 daughters, what he told me were "the 4 chambers of his heart": Julie, Kellie, Wendie, and Carrie. Denny met Sandra “Sam” Yund in October of 1979. They became inseparable almost immediately. Sam and Denny married on June 13, 1981 while living in Apple Valley, MN. A few years later they purchased a cabin on Lake Ida in Alexandria, where they spent every weekend year-round. Eventually they took a leap of faith and moved there full time. It was the best decision they ever made. Denny spent his entire career on his knees…as a floor covering installer. Many said he was one of the best in the business, and he did this physically demanding job for more than 55 years. He worked hard and he loved doing it, and amazingly, he continued working until he received his cancer diagnosis a few short weeks ago. Anyone that knew Denny knew that he took fashion cues from no one, and "his signature every day look” was all his: a T-shirt, always adorned with a flag or eagle on it, and his blue jeans that often drooped far too low, making everyone assume that he was a plumber instead of a carpet installer. Denny had an insatiable joy in making friends by striking up conversation with them. He was a true gentleman, and always smiled or greeted others. He was incredibly patriotic and whenever he saw a man or woman wearing a U.S. Armed Services cap, he would go out of his way to thank them for their service to our country...or if in a restaurant, anonymously pay for their meal. Denny will be remembered for his warm and contagious smile, his energy, his love for life, family and friends, but also his customers, many of whom over time also became friends. He made a difference in the lives of many. We will all remember his sparkling blue eyes, gentle heart, and his, sometimes...well most of the time... inappropriate sense of humor. Denny has now been reunited with many loved ones that he has not seen in a long time, including his mother Dorothy Crossley, father and stepmother Eddie & Olga Triplett, sister Carol Tomberlin, niece Pamela Elling, and in-laws he truly loved..Charlie and Lorraine Yund. Another reunion happened at the Rainbow Bridge with his beloved feline friends Sadie, Simon, & Gato. His new home is a wonderful place where there is no cancer, no pain, and no fear. He is in his glory, talking with everyone, and polishing his Ramcharger to his heart’s content. It is a place where music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Cribbage is played daily, the food is delicious, and you will never, ever, gain an ounce. Denny is survived by his wife Sam, daughters and sons-in-law Julie & Tom Anderson of Hastings, Kellie & Eric Champion of North Branch, Wendie & David VanKirk of Leaf Valley, Carrie & Adrian Thompson of Miltona Grandchildren Anthony Sly, Michael Sly (girlfriend Mel), Christian Thompson, Sonja Thompson, Rylee Thompson, Ryan Sly (wife Nicky), Great Grandchildren Cheyenne, Jaden. John Jr., Cloe, and Deklen. He is also survived by brother-in-law Steve Yund (who he couldn't love him more had they been blood brothers) and his wife Cindy, (who he loved even more than Steve), nephew Nick Yund (partner Noah), nieces Danielle (husband Mark) Bell and their girls, Goddaughter Brianna (partner Adam) Yund, and Cayla (husband Wade) Blucker. He is also survived by former wife Gail, and her husband (and Denny's good friend) Gaylord Strand, and many more family and friends. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 22 from 12:00 to 1:00PM with a memorial service and celebration of life will at 1:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.

Denny Triplett

June 6, 1942 - May 17, 2016