Dewey Tinderholm
May 27, 1957 - May 20, 2024
Duane G. “Dewey” Tinderholm, age 66, of New Prague, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, after a catastrophic stroke and was a proud organ donor. Dewey was born on May 25, 1957, in Duluth to Gene P. and Florence (Moe) Tinderholm. The family moved to Crookston when Dewey was in elementary school, and he graduated from Crookston High School. He went on to attain a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Dakota. He worked for General Motors in Detroit for two years, then went to MTS Systems, where he noticed a young woman also working there, who caught his eye! He married Veronica M. Puncochar on March 19, 1988, at Holy Trinity Lutheran in New Prague. Dewey also spent a year and a half at the U of M and finished out his work career at Cru Engineering in Florida. He loved his work and enjoyed all the intricacies of negotiations, sales, and engineering that it entailed. He truly epitomized the saying, “if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life”.
Dewey loved being around water, living on Cedar Lake for over 30 years and on the ocean when he and Veronica lived in Florida for 3 years. He loved nothing more than sitting on his deck, listening to music, and would tell you that he loved all kinds of music, “country AND western”. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years and thoroughly enjoyed “hunting” agates on the shores of Lake Superior in his later years. Dewey lived life on his terms, enjoyed hosting parties more than attending parties at others’ homes. He enjoyed golf cart rides to visit the neighbors, often with one of his beloved Springer Spaniels, of which there were three over his lifetime, at his side. Even death took Dewey according to how he wished to live life – quick, at his home at the lake, and allowed him to leave a legacy of organ donation. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Dewey is survived by his wife, Veronica, of New Prague; son, Gene Tinderholm of Iowa; brother, Kenneth “Butch” (Bobbie) Tinderholm of St. Petersburg, FL; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 3-6 PM at the St. Patrick Tavern.
Wayne and I recall the chats we had with Dewey when he and Veronica and their dog, Lucky, I think was his name, would ride their cart through the neighborhood every summer, here on Cedar Lake. Always a laugh and a smile, we are sorry for his loss and our sympathies are with his family and friends.
Very sorry to hear of Dewey’s passing. He was a lot of fun and a great guy. We were joking around one day and he started giving me crap so I stuck him in a locker in the football locker room and left him in there for quite some time. He reminded me of that day many times.
Dewey was always smiling and so upbeat! He was always kind. I don’t think he ever had an enemy; only friends!
Dewy usually had a joke or two. I also remember his mom with her smile too. My condolences to Dewey’s family.
Dewey was the best classmate at Crookston Central. He brought humor to every situation. I can see him standing in a circle of his friends – all laughing.
Nancy Arneson (in high school)
I went through elementary & high school with Dewey. He was a very good friend in our earlier years. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be forever in our memories!
Dewey was my “car puddle” buddy in the early 80’s. We called it a puddle since it was just the two of us commuting to MTS! He was a great person and gave me happy, positive energy to start my day! He was lucky to find a person as wonderful as Veronica for his best friend, wife and life partner. I hope he visits you and am sure he will watch over you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dewey was unique. He will be missed. Always upbeat. Great laugh/chuckle. He’ll have friends up in soulspace, and make many more. Bon voyage, Dewey.
I’m going to miss that fella. Dewey and I worked, no, had fun together doing what we loved to do in exchange for pay. We traveled to China in the 80’s and to Florida in the 2000’s. And elsewhere in between. There was always Dewey’s infectious laugh to accompany us.
Goodbye my friend and may your future be of bliss!!