Dennis Blake Jr.

Dennis Blake Jr., age 57 of Albuquerque, NM, formerly of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away November 27, 2020.

He is survived by his parents Dennis Sr. and Karen; siblings Rebecca (Jeff) Kelleher, Dean Blake and David (Lisa Boland) Blake; nieces and nephews, Cameron, Matthew, Kieran, Danielle, Allison and Braeden; uncle Richard Storck; aunt Judy (Frank) Moore as well as numerous cousins and dear friends. He was also a proud “cat dad” to Jeffrey, Marie and Charlie and many other lucky cats.

Den was born on October 29th, 1963 in Cloquet, MN. He graduated from Park High School in 1982. Den earned his way through college by tutoring math students and graduated with a teaching degree in mathematics. In college, he participated in ROTC. After graduation, Den moved to Arizona where he taught high school math.  Then he earned his paper engineering degree and worked in Oklahoma City before moving to Albuquerque where he served at many fine dining establishments including, most recently, Prairie Star Restaurant and Wine Bar.

Den was a passionate, brilliant, and intuitive musician that started on the French horn in high school. He taught himself the bass and guitar and played for many bands in Albuquerque. He was a music aficionado and an audiophile that enjoyed collecting vinyl records and other music paraphernalia. Den had a sharp brain and was highly competitive and very successful at games, especially trivia and cards. He was a runner who completed many marathons.

He was a good friend to many as was evidenced by all the love and care he received throughout his cancer journey. He was surrounded these last weeks by loving family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank Our Lady of Peace Hospice for their love and care in his last weeks. A graveside funeral and interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet, MN in spring. Memorials to Animal Humane Society of Albuquerque and Our Lady of Peace hospice in St. Paul, MN.