Merle "Dug" Denzer

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Merle O. Denzer

“Dug” “Duggie” “Duke"

Age 80, longtime resident of Cottage Grove and proud US Army Veteran. Passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 1, 2021 while surrounded by his loving family.

Preceded in death by granddaughters, Jessica and Melissa Denzer; grandson, Walter Brown; father, Reed; mother, Lorraine Skeslien; and two brothers. Survived by devoted wife of 60 years, Darlene (nee Haugen); children, Pamela (David) Ochs, Patty Brown, Scott (Laureen Poisson), Cheryl (Mark) Niebur, and Craig (Mary); 22 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; step-father, Marvid “Bud” (Peggy) Skeslien; four siblings; special caretaker, Betty Thompson; and many other loving family and friends.

Dug will be remembered for his love of the outdoors. He especially enjoyed hunting, four wheeling, and feeding the deer, geese, and birds in his backyard. Duggie will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Memorial Service 12 PM with visitation beginning at 11 AM, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN, 55016. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice. Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions and limitations masks and social distancing are in place to help protect those in attendance. We understand that not everyone is comfortable attending in person services, therefore you may choose to watch Duke’s service via livestream Saturday below this obituary beginning at 11:50 AM. If you have difficultly viewing the livestream or that time does not work for you the service will be recorded and available later Saturday afternoon for viewing at your convenience.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings while abiding to a 50% capacity at the facility which is 70 people (Cottage Grove location). The use of face masks by attendees is required at indoor events, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep your families safe. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available on the obituary portion on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute once it becomes available or complete the HeartStrings online sympathy page with the link above.